June 13....by Shelly Brown

June 13 --- Today we entered the Changugu Prison.  We are down by the Congo border.  You can see the first town on the border across the lake from where we are staying.  It is beautiful here but the ride across their forest was rough.  Kathy and I both got sick.  We did get to see a couple monkeys along the way.

The place we are staying is beautiful.  God took care of us and has given us a place of peace and rest to return to the next few nights.

The guards at the prison gate were expecting us.  As soon as we drove up the guards opened the gates for us without checking our passports, taking our cell phones or even asking who we were. 

One of the first things we saw was the outdoor kitchen with  multiple pots that were around 200 gallons each starting to boil and having beans added to them.

There are a lot of prisoners here at this camp, so many that the prison is sectioned off into two different men’s areas and a woman’s area.  We completed a crusade in 2 of the areas. 

It is truly amazing to me that they let you walk in with the prisoners and shut and lock the door behind you.  You are in a common area with them and they are waiting for you all sitting in their portable chairs.  There were so many men in the second crusade that I felt like I was in a sardine can.

Arlene has a unique ability to be able to get up and speak to the men in these facilities and she has their complete attention. 

A majority of the men stood for salvation and even more for a prayer of forgiveness to be able to forgive themselves from the things they had done.  It was a good day.  

The Warden and Assistant Warden of Public Affairs are both Christians and are so encouraging of the men  living a life for Christ.

Pastor Al and Alfred and Pastor Peter have over 112 Spiritual Leaders (12 women pastors) to train the next two days as well, more than they have had at any other prison.

  There are only 150 women here which is surprising considering the number of men here.

I ate something that didn’t agree with me last night so I have stayed behind today.  I am thankful for the people I am with and their care of me on this trip.  We haven’t had internet service very much and when we have it has been very week so we haven’t had the ability to post.  We can tell your praying for us.  THANK YOU!  Shelly