After a good nights rest how fun it was to wake up to the birds singing in the cool of the morning here at the edge of Lake Victoria.
My bungalow, with our sound system in the doorway for African tunes!
Across the water, on the other shore, you can see one of the prisons we will do ministry in today.
Our complimentary breakfast this morning was wonderful with 3 kinds of dry cereal, 2 kinds of fresh juice (I chose Pineapple of course) and assortment of breads and jelly, sausage links and omelets made to order WITH CHEESE. I haven't seen cheese offered on an omelet Aaron tried to get the lady making omelets to first put a slice of bread in the skillet before adding the eggs (his aversion of French Toast) but she couldn't seem to catch his description and he cam to the table with his omelet and two slices of plain bread with jelly on the side. :-)
It was about 10 when we headed out to the first of two prisons. Even as late as this evening the order of the prisons we do ministry in changes hourly it seems. I told the team today that I feel at times like I am blindfolded and just being led from place to place as no mater what itinerary we think is set for the day as we start, changes inevitably come. Hummmm, God is still teaches me about flexibility!!!!
I was thankful that it did not rain this morning because the prisoners at Bugungu Prison YP would have been in the rain as they were sitting in the open. There were 85 men and then they brought in 3 women prisoners, 2 with infants. I greted the women as most of the prisoners tried to sit in the shade of the eves but I stood most of the time in the sun. I forgot to put on sunshade so hopeful I will arrive home with a nice tan. The prisoners are first curious as to why we are they but then so very attentive and responsive as the Holy Spirit work son their hearts.
The OC - Officer in Charge was very welcoming and gracious to us and at the end of our time challenged the prisoners to allow what they heard and their good decisions to change them into good citizens now and when they are released. What a wonderful way to end our time there by having enough Bibles and Discipleship Booklets to give each one a set.
Thank you for each of the 910 Bible sets you helped purchase. I so wish you could see their faces and hear the applause when they first see the Bible they will receive.
My heart was sad for those inside as we left the main hallway and I saw them once again put that large metal lock on the door. Regardless of their crimes and situation to live under the conditions here is difficult at best.
Then we were off to the second prison and crusade for the day and stopping briefly in Jinja for a loaf of bread for our sandwich lunch. There are just street venders everywhere.
Peanuts anyone?
In eight years of doing prison ministry this is the first year I have done two crusades in one day.......... we will see how this works after tomorrow, 4 crusades in two days!
We arrived at Bugembe Prison a bit early of our scheduled time and received permission to sit under a tree to have our lunch. As we were eating the prisoners came in from working in the fields in neat rows and ever so orderly, all carrying their work tools. The visual photo was something to see and I held my sandwich down as I knew after their work in the sun there would be no lunch for them.
The officer in Charge was not there but his staff welcomed us and as we entered we found them in a covered building singing worship songs and keeping rhythm on two very large drums, at one point Pastor Geoffrey went and kept rhythm with them. With only a couple of benches almost everyone sat on the cement floor.
The power in their voices as they prayed in response to the Gospel and the Forgiveness messages was evidence to the Spirits work in their hearts. I just never tire of watching God do such grace filled work and watching as we leave the smiles that are then visible on their faces......sweeeet!
The Officer in Charge arrived as we were ending our time, he was gracious to us but a tall very stern fellow indeed.
When were arrived at our bungalows we had time to have a serious debrief time and a bit of rest before our dinner.
Its been a long but fruitful day all to the glory of Christ Jesus.
You continuing prayers for the ministry, our travels and us in general is appreciated by the entire team.
THANK YOU
Arlene
for the team
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