Dec. 12 "I trust Him, especially when I do not understand." Koboko Prison & Lobule Prison

 Ministry Partners,

Goodness, talk about a day going different. Our drive to Koboko was only about 45 min. so we arrived just in time for our 10 o’clock appointment but we found when we arrived that the same woman officer from Human Affairs Officer was already at the prison speaking with the O.C. in his office. Aaron went in the prison and set up our sound system for us and as he finished the H.A. officer exited the O.C.’s office and walked passed Alfred and me without a word proceeding to our setup area and thanking Aaron for letting her use our equipment!!!!

We waited for her to finish so we could begin but 11am came and went, then 12pm came and went. We finally exited the prison entrance to our vehicle just outside the walls and continued to wait while in the shade of a Jack Fruit Tree. The Deputy O.C. exited the prison and came to our vehicle, she apologized for the intrusion into our scheduled appointment but said the H.A. Officer was her boss and she had no choice, She then told us she would give us the time we needed.

Another beautiful woman

We were unable to proceed to Lobule prison for our 2pm scheduled crusade because as soon as the H.A. Officer finishes at this prison and that could be in 30 minutes or an hour or more, she will proceed to Lobule Prison ahead of us and she will interfere with our crusade there. 

It is clear the she has precedence over our scheduled appointment times since yesterday, and she is traveling the same route. At 1:30pm the guard at the gate told us that the prisoners lunch is ready and that the H.A. Officer was now talking to the inmates and guards.

I learned a long time ago that EVERY EVENT in my life is filtered first, though the Savior’s hands and I trust Him, especially when I do not understand. I told Aaron that perhaps the specific prisoners who needed to hear todays message were not here today but will be tomorrow.

The interesting thing is that during our time so far, there was a day we actually did two prisons that were scheduled for two separate days in the same day so we have been running one day ahead of schedule. By taking this day off, even though we did not plan to, means tomorrow we are right on schedule. The Government approval letter that we show at every prison did not have any dates on it only our personal printed schedule has dates on it. This was unusual as in the past the government letter included dates.

A few days ago when we were leaving a prison a man told us he was bringing in a bull in to be butchered for the Christmas celebration: it is the only time during the year that the government provides meat (beef, goatfor the prisoners.

It was getting so late in the day that I thought it would not be kind to make the prisoners have to wait for two additional hours for their lunch just so we could hold our crusade. Alfred decided to call the two prison O.C.’s we had originally scheduled for tomorrow and got approval from them to visit them on Sunday. He then called Lobule O.C. and rescheduled this afternoon’s crusade for tomorrow, and told the Deputy O.C. here that we would see them tomorrow, that we were leaving. She apologized again and said she would see us tomorrow.

Alfred sent Aaron into the prison to retrieve our sound system and supplies and then we were off to find a place to stay for the next two nights. We drove and checked for over an hour and finally Alfred found a place, not the best but suitable and we are all tired. We have ordered dinner and the guys went to take a nap while I get this blog done. I am not sure when this will get posted as the VPN from my church does not want to work and in the past it is what has allowed me to get on fb.

As you can see from today’s activities or lack thereof, we need and appreciate your prayers.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 11 - Even the new inmates also received Christ as Savior at Gili-Gili Farm Prison

 Ministry Partners

Not sure how it happened but I slept until 7am, I guess missing so much sleep last night just caught up to goods me.

We had a wonderful buffet breakfast this morning with an array of baked goods plus sliced bread for toast, 2 kinds of dry cereal, Spanish omelets, matooke (cooked banana), peas in sauce, potatoes, spinach, chapatti, bananas, papaya, watermelon, and very delicious pineapple and a variety of hot drinks and juices. 

 

These Uganda shillings = US $2 per gallon for gas or diesel 

Because the farm prison O.C. asked us to come after all the prisoners are back from working in the fields we are not leaving until 4 so we can arrive at 4:30, setting up to start at 5pm and they told us we could be there until 7pm. Once again, we see God at work to implement his plan for the day as He opens doors for his eternal purposes. I have been doing prison ministry since 2006 and there are set rules for prisons in general. NO ONE in allowed in the prisons before 9 of after 4 when the prisoners are locked in. But last year, for the first time ever we were asked to do 2 – 6:30am crusades and 2 – 6pm crusades and now today we were asked by the prison O.C. to do a 5-7pm crusade. It is not just out of the ordinary, it is a miracle provided by God.

When we talked about what to do with our morning, I asked about going today to one of the two prisons that are scheduled for tomorrow when Aaron said one of his funny sayings, “Where we are going is not where we are headed.” When I started laughing and asked him to repeat what he just said he corrected his statement with, “Where we are going today is not the same direction we are going tomorrow.” That is why Alfred decided that because of where we are headed tomorrow we will need to come back here, and stay another night in this hotel before proceeding in the opposite direction tomorrow.

Today as I had time, I went over a couple of observations from yesterday that were interesting.

1.     The hotel where we were night before last had razor wire across the peek and the ends of the roof. Aaron said they do that to keep the large birds from sitting there and leaving their “calling card” because it damage the roof covering  

2.     We passed 5 or 6 teen boys standing alongside the road holding their Muslim caps upside down in their palms with their arms extended. We had never seen them doing such a thing before and neither the guys or I have any idea what they were begging for.

3.     One farm prison said we were the first visitors to ever come to their prison

We arrived at Gili-Gili prison a few minutes before 5pm and they let us in although the O.C. Alfred had spoke to was not there. I had an inmate translate into the local language for me and he was the best I have had, he did a great job. The 350 inmates sat in front of and to the left of me all under an open covered area. I had gotten into the salvation portion of the message when I realized that I had not opened in prayer. So I prayed ending with, “And may the Holy Spirit touch the heart of every person here, drawing them closer to the Savior.” Then just as we were about to show the object lesson for the salvation message 15 new prisoners in street clothes were brought in and seated on my right. It was wonderful to watch them also stand alongside the other prisoners to follow me in the salvation prayer. After we had the prayer to receive Christ as Savior. Alfred said the guard who had welcomed us was rushing us because some government officials were coming to speak to the inmates so Alfred told me to share the “Forgiveness” messages next, which I did and all the inmates responded to the invitation to forgive someone else or themselves.

Then the officer cam and told us we had to leave, it was only 5:50pm and the O.C. had originally told us we could be there until 7pm. Alfred said we should wait outside until the officials were finished then perhaps we could finish. But, as we walked outside we could see the large group seated under a tree so Alfred turned me around and we went back in as he informed the guard that the officials were in a meeting and as soon as they came to the door we would leave.

The inmates applauded when we returned, I was able then to do the Discipleship portion of the crusade. WE then left without being able to do the apology portion.

It was a short drive home but getting dark by the time, we arrived at the hotel and had dinner.

It is hard to believe that as of today we have completed half of the scheduled Uganda prisons. The days are going far to quickly.

Please continue to pray for the hearts of the prisoners to be turned to Jesus and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

 

Dec. 10 - "No,No, that's not my English.” – Arua’s Main Men’s Prison and Women’s Prison

  Ministry Partners, 

I had hoped to get a good night sleep last night but between the air conditioning going off , my room heating up followed by thunder claps that were so loud it sounded like a stick of dynamite going off just outside my door, 3am was too early to get up! I called the desk to see if they could fix it but no one was there. So, I had no problem being ready to load in the van and eat breakfast at 7:30. We will have a bit of a drive to get to Arua’s two prisons where we will be sharing the Gospel today. 

 

Alfred bought bananas from her and I gave her a scarf and tract

It is hard to believe that I have been here 19 days already, that a third of my trip has been completed. The excessive heat and language barrier has created some issues but actually, that is when we have the opportunity to watch God’s faithfulness to us and see his miracles unfold. I cannot get the events of yesterday out of my mind and as my friend Kathy wrote after reading yesterday’s blog, “It sounds like you had a little taste of what the Day of Pentecost was all about, with the Holy Spirit giving languages and translations!” When we see/hear God work as He did yesterday it is hard to even find adequate words to try to explain it and all that remains is to stand in awe and give Him praise.

The drive to Arua today was awful to say the least. It should have taken an hour or close to it but because the road was in such bad shape it took us two hours as we went from pot-hole to pot-hole 9from small to th sixe of a bathtub or bigger) to stripes of missing pavement to speed bumps which Aaron calls slow bumps because there is no speeding possible. When we left the hotel this morning we saw the road we had traveled yesterday to the prison lined with 18-wheeler trucks that could not make it up due to the rained out road. What a blessing that we traveled it yesterday.

When we arrived at Arua women’s prison, we were greeted by the O.C. who told us she had worked for Uganda prison services for 31 years. It was cool today so she had us set up outside alongside busy road with no tree cover. Once again, we were faced with a language barrier but one inmate said she would translate from my English into their local language. We are working hard but the Holy Spirit is working harder as he caused then to hear what they needed to hear as they responded to all three invitations. There were 4 children there and one of the little boys came right up to me and held my hand, it is nice when they don’t cry or scream because it is their first time to see a white person.

The is was time to go to the men’s prison of 1,650 where we had to wait a bit to enter and then we had to walk a bit to the area they had selected for me to speak from. 1,300 prisoners were all around me and in a center area in front of me, most of them were in the sun, some sitting and some standing. A young inmate came forward to translate for me but after my very first words he said, “No,No, that's not my English.” and walked away. Whatever English he knew, it was not the English was speaking. Then a tall, older man came forward to translate into the local language, doing a good job. As they respond to all three invitations, it was another powerful example of the Holy Spirits amazing work in their hearts.

After finishing at the men’s prison, it was time to find a place to stay. We made a number of stops but Alfred  was unable to find anything suitable but finally at the last stop Alfred came back to the van and said, “Mom, you prayed this morning that God would provide a safe, comfortable place for us to stay tonight, and I think this is it. We will have the last two rooms. There is your room and Aarons and my room has twin beds.” Even though it was over my budget price, we were out of options.

We got settled in, had dinner and now it is almost 8:30. Time to shower and go to bed, after last night I think I will sleep well.

Thanks for your continuing prayers for the prisoners and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 9 - Paidha Prison - The Lord goes before you. Duet. 31:8

 Ministry Partners,

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Duet. 31:8

Today although I woke at 6am, I decided to go back to bed and just rest for a bit since we do not need to be at the prison until 2pm but I fell asleep until about 7:30. It was just in time to get ready for a breakfast of tea, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausages, greens and the best pineapple ever, it was really yummy! As we walked back to our rooms, we observed all the staff cleaning the stones in preparation, I suppose, for a meeting in the small conference room. There they were in their bare feet, sloshing large containers of water all around with narrow long handled brushes.

The staff washing the stone courtyard

Having the mornings free allows me to get this blog started so that after the crusade, it does not take as much time to finish it and I can get to bed earlier and that is a good thing but when we do two crusades a day that is not an option. The 15^th of Dec. will be here soon and that begins the best opportunity. The Currently when we are doing only one farm prison a day Alfred asks for a 2pm time as that gives the prisoners time to come in from the fields. However, from Dec.15^th to Jan.15, the prisoners are allowed a break from fieldwork and stay at the prison, available all day, which allows us to do an AM or PM crusade. In addition, during those dates, NO ONE is allowed to visit the prisons; no church groups, no NGO’s and no family ONLY IRM is allowed to enter and have all the time we need for our crusade. Because on other days, we have to compete with them for time. That should tell you how much God has opened doors for us and how much favor we have found with the Ugandan government. Please continue to pray that we would to find favor with them.

The drive to the prison was less than an hour even though we had to drive through some village roadwork. The O.C. was at a meeting but his staff did a good job of welcoming us. The 140 prisoners had mats to sit on in a room that was adequate so they were not scrunched together and I had the opportunity to greet them before the 18 women entered to sit on the right hand side of the room where there was another mat them. I was glad that I had the opportunity to greet some of them before we started.

Today was hard for me as once again they did not speak Luganda of Swahili only Luo. When I heard that one prisoner said he understood English I prayed, “Dear Jesus, regardless to what the translator says, please Holy Spirit cause them to hear what they need to hear to receive Christ as Savior.” The young man tried to follow me but kept stopping me to repeat what I had said. At first, he said I was not talking loud enough and moved to my other side so he could observe my mouth. I do not think of myself having an axcent but the guys assure me that I do. But after the prisoner stopped me a number of times I started speaking in very short sentences but I started to forget each time where I was in my message so I felt I needed to explain to the prisoners why I was having to ask Alfred where I was in the message. I told them about the tumor in my skull and how the radiation had damaged the nerves on top of my brain, my comprehension and memory banks and that by stopping so many times to repeat what I said I then could not remember my next part of the message. Talk about a humbling experience!

But, something really interesting happened when I started to lead them in the prayer of salvation and it happened through the entire prayer. I said, “Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me.” All the prisoners began to repeat the prayer in Luo at the same time the inmate was translating my words in Luo. It was if they understood exactly what I had said with absolutely no translation. When the guys and I talked about it later Aaron said how surprised he was and that it was if they understood my English words. They did the same thing when I led then in the prayer to forgive. PRAISE JESUS the Holy Spirit caused them to hear what they needed to hear today. They boldly responded to each invitation.

When we ended the crusade, I gave the women each a donated scarf and 3 children a crochet cap.

On the way home I saw the most darling little girl alongside the road who would not smile at me but when I gave her a cap she put it to her nose, smelled it followed by a tiny smile that brighter her whole face. As we continued to drive, Alfred spotted a woman carrying a container of bananas on her head so we stopped and bought some. I found a lovely scarf for her accompanied by a tract and as we drove away, I noted she was standing there reading the tract with a man I assumed was her husband.

I have eaten dinner and it is now almost 8pm so it is time for me to bathe and get to bed. Tomorrow is an early morning as we have quite a drive and we do two crusades to do.

Please continue to  pray for the prisoner and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 8 – Nebbi Prison – A prisoner translated for me today

 Ministry Partners,

Today my phone says, “87 Degrees” but Alfred says “95”and with the humidity it feels MUCH hotter and my skin feels sticky. I was more than happy to get in the shower last night although this morning when I tried to turn off the very unusual water faucet I could not get it to shut off and had to have the receptionist come and show me how. Next time I will remember to turn the one handle only ½ way around and the other all the way around.

Last night I was finally able to get fish fillets, as other places have not had them although they are always on the menu. I like them as opposed to a whole fish as I do not have to worry about the much larger amount of bones in a whole tilapia. The potato large wedges were also the best I have had here, the only thing is I think they are prepared in a different oil as they are the same potato but are much cruncher on the outside and do not appear to be cooked longer. However, they gave me enough for two people, I requested ½ potatoes and ½ veggies but received only potatoes.                                                                                

    Fish fillets, lemon & potato wedges

Today was another late breakfast at 8 since we do not need to leave for prison, that is only a short distance  (30 min.) until 2pm as the O.C. wants all prisoners to be in. Our comped breakfast was also generous although not a buffet. Not sure but I think the Spanish Omelet (made with scrambled eggs and a few bits of red and green bell peppers and no cheese) must have been made with at least 4 eggs. It came with juice, fried potatoes, 2 sausages, and a delicious vegetable medley of cabbage, carrot and onions. I ate all the veggies and could only eat about half of the rest so I gave the rest to Alfred

After breakfast, Aaron and I cleaned out the van because it tends to get in a jumble after a few days of travel. We also got a women’s bag ready for today's and tomorrows prisons, 1 with nylon backpacks and crochet caps for the children and the 2^nd one with scarves and more caps. I then caught up on some workbook; I keep saying I need an assistant .

It was a 30 min. drive to the prison and although the O.C. was not there the Deputy O.C. welcomed us and the Social Affairs officer was also there. They had already gathered the men prisoners, some close to where we were, under a big tree and the others some distance away under another tree but the guys asked them if they could hear us with our new sound system and those men responded, “Yes.” It made perfect sense NOT to have them sitting with the other prisoners, as they would be in the hot sun. There was also a tarp to the right of us so the women had a place to sit, also under the shade of our tree.

But, when the guys asked the prisoners if they wanted them to speak in Luganda or Swahili they said, “No, Luo.” Although Alfred and Aaron but understand some Luo, neither of them are fluent in that language. Interesting how God provided for us today as an inmate who also spoke English well stepped forward and translated for me. He did will but during one object lesson, he was having trouble so Aaron stepped in. The Holy Spirit saw to it that regardless of any translation issues they heard what God wanted them to hear as almost every inmate responded to the invitations for salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. It was wonderful to see all the officers also respond to the three invitations.

Three men and one woman gave testimonies as to what God had done in their hearts during our time together. I was able to give each of the women a nylon backpack and caps to the two children. At the end as the Deputy O.C., who had sat through our entire program, made some nice comments about what we had done, I had the opportunity to hold one of the children and give a kiss on the forehead. It was another wonderful day.

A distance after leaving the prison I saw three children alongside the road. I told Aaron to stop and I got out and retrieved some caps from my supplies, a fourth child appeared. What fun to give them each a cap. 

I ordered fish fillets again because the hamburger I wanted was not available but this time they added the wonderful sautéed cabbage, carrot and onion vegetables that we had had for breakfast. Although it was good, I could not eat it all so I shared some fish with Aaron. As we were finishing eating we could hear the loud music coming down the street and as they passed by I could see people dancing in the street. Aaron says that the election campaign celebrations will go on until the election on Jan. 15^th .

It is 7:30 and I have yet to bathe so will close for today. Amazing that I can go to bed before 10.

Please continue praying for the prisoners and guard’s salvation and that we would find favor with them and everyone we meet. Also for our health and safety.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 7 – A travel day FILLED with God’s unexpected blessings

 Ministry Partners,

You would think that since today was a travel day and I Could sleep in that I would have done that but no, I was awake at 6:00am. After breakfast, we loaded up the van and departed on a long 3+ hour drive over roads that neither Alfred or Aaron had been on. About 2 ½ hours into our trip, all of a sudden, there were arches over the road stating Murchison National Game Park with gates blocking the entrance and a small building to the side. 

Aaron spoke to the man at the gate and told him we did not plan to visit the park that we do prison ministry and the town where we were going. The gate man said it did not matter, this was the only road to where we were going and we would have to pay so Alfred went inside with our passports and came out saying we had to pay for the van and all three of us……$200. We do not do go on game park tours as we do not have time and they are too expensive. However, sometimes we travel on roads just alongside a park and are able to see some of the animals like a few years ago in Kenya when we saw Rhino’s up close to the road we were on.

We watched him eating his lunch!

We did not have a choice today so off we went in the blistering heat. I think God knew we need a special blessing today as we have been working really hard. In the beginning, we saw Black & White Monkeys and Baboons and after about an hour, driving so slow and seeing nothing God blessed us as we began to see all kinds of animals even though it was in the heat of mid-day. Hippos in a river – one with her baby, Kopi, Gazelles, Antelope, Water Buffalo s in ponds of water, Wart Hogs, Giraffes and two different small groups of Elephants, one under a tree. There was a roadside dirt bank that blocked our view a bit so Alfred got on top of the car for some photos of them but as we started to drive away I looked back and saw a huge elephant running down a nearby slope with his ears flapping as he ran towards the small herd. Aaron stopped the van and we all watched until he disappeared behind the dirt bank. Aaron has eyes like a hawk and helped us see things before we ever drove up on them. We saw many small animals but I do not know their names.

As I looked at the animals, I kept praising God for the amazing animal creations he gave us to enjoy today.

After leaving the game park, we drove to Nebbi and were blessed to find rooms for two nights, as there are only two hotels here. We will be here for two nights because we have crusades to do in the area.

Tomorrow we do a prison in the area about an hour away. This will be a short post tonight. I’m off to shower and bed.

Thanks friends for continuing to pray for the salvation of the prisoners and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 6 – 90 Degrees today at Masindi Main & Masindi Women's Prison

 Ministry Partners,

Today we were not having breakfast at the hotel until 8 I was awake at 6 and was ready to also load my bags because I did not want to come back up the flights of stairs after breakfast. Walking up inclines or stairs are a bit difficult for me and this trip we have already had far too many stairs. After breakfast, we took the one-hour drive to Masindi where we had a Men’s and Women’s prison crusade scheduled.

      

Drying coffee beans on the ground

Alfred called the Men’s O.C. to make sure they were ready for us but found out that the Seventh Day Adventists would be there until noon or so. He then contacted the Social Affairs Officer at the Women’s side to see if we could do our morning there, and she said yes.

We arrived at the main entrance and took the long walk to the women’s area. When we arrived at the women’s area, the very nice young women who was the social Affairs Officer that Alfred had talked with greeted us. We sat with her on the porch outside while the women inmates got ready for us and Aaron went to their area to get our sound system ready. As I looked around there were not only turkeys roaming around there were also turkey chicks scattering everywhere.  When it was finally time for us to enter the women’s area, we found that they had set us up in a very small room where only about half of the women could come hear our program. I was so happy when the S.A. Officer agreed with Alfred when he suggested that we relocate outside, under a huge tree where all 132 women could attend and hear although a few were working a short distance away. Thirteen children were also present with their mothers. It was such a nice morning and the women responded well to all three invitations. When we finished the women with babies and a couple of pregnant ones came forward and choose a beautiful hand crochet cap for their child. It is always wonderful to see such a small gift bring such broad smiles.  Some women shared their testimonies out how God had worked in their hearts during our time together and then the S.A. Officer spoke some very kind words about what I taught and how it impacted her. Alfred observed her during the crusade and said that she responded with tears in her eyes, to both the Salvation and Forgiveness invitations. One woman inmate shared her testimony about how her compliant was also in this same prison and how she was never going to forgive her and how she wanted to be moved to a different prison. But she knelt and told her compliant, who was sitting right in front that she forgave her. After we finished we had about 30min. before we could enter the men’s area so we sat again on the porch and visited with her. 

Then we took the walk to the men’s area where 1,560 men waited for us, some sitting on porches under the building roof overhang of three very long building on three sides. There were men sitting on the porch where we were and in the direct sunlight the very large open area in front of me. I will never understand how they can sit under the direct sun like that for the whole crusade. It was 90 degrees today!

As I walked in I tried to shake a number of hands so that the other inmates would view me as kind and friendly NOT the Bishop who has come to tell them how bad they are. Alfred is so funny, he usually opens our crusade by talking the prisoners in their language and then he looks at me and says something to me in English so I know when to stand and get started. But today when he looked at me he just kept speaking the Luganda language …… and grinned! I pointed at him while looking out at the prisoners and said, “He is being so funny today. He is talking to me in your language and he knows I do not understand.” I ended but making a funny face. Goodness, how the prisoners laughed.

I love watching the atmosphere change from dark and sad to light with smiles on their faces as the prisoners ask Jesus to forgive them for their sin and be their Savior, then choosing to forgive someone else or themselves and ending by apologizing to another inmate or guard they have had an argument or fight with. I can already see the evidence of their good choices in their smiles as they tell us that their hearts are happy, peaceful and joyful.

As one inmate gave his testimony about what God did in his heart during our time together he never stopped looking directly into my eyes like most prisoners who look out over the other prisoners or the ground or sky But each of the four who gave their testimony started the same way, they said,"Thank you mama for coming ............"

By the time w finished I was really tired with being out in the 90 degree heat for almost 5 hours and it was a long walk back to our van but Alfred made me laugh out loud when he said, "Mom, you were a machine today."

Tomorrow is a a travel day so please pray for our safety on the road. We appreciate each one of you.

It is almost 9 pm and I have had dinner so shower and bed is what is left for me tonight. 

That none would be lost,

Arlene