July 18 & 19......

2 Peter 3:9 & 15  NIV

  ^{“ 9} The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,  as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation,  just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”

Ministry Partners,

It is so had to believe that yesterday, the 18th., and today are my last full days of ministry in Uganda.

July 18 –

I awoke not feeling quite up to par but we were off by mid morning to meet with the printers and picked up 3 copies of the photo report Alfred wrote before going to the Commissioner of Prisons. Irene met up with us on the way as she was to translate for me later in the day. 
The commissioner, I had met earlier, was in a meeting with others so we spoke with her associate. He was more than a bit impressed with the report as he said others requested admission to prisons but then never went or carried through, it just looked good on their proposal to raise funds.. It was interesting as he did not put the report down until he had gone over every part of it very carefully going, hummm……..hummm……hummm. It was evident that we had found favor with him.

Then we were off to Western Uganda to do some unscheduled ministry in the Wakisi area for a woman’s co-op support group headed by Alfred’s mother-in-law, but not before going to their home for a delicious traditional Ugandan meal. 

 

When we arrived at the women’s center the 40 women were gathered and dressed in their “best traditional” dresses. They were a most colorful and beautiful group, for sure, as they sang and danced to welcome Irene and me. Alfred and Pastor Aaron got us all set up and then returned to Alfred’s in-laws house to visit with his father-in-law.

I shared my testimony and the Gospel where 2 were added to the Lamb’s Book of Life and all 40 responded to the Forgiveness message as we ended our time together with everyone participating in the “You Have Value” exercise. Then it was time to give each woman a Bible/Discipleship Booklet set which brought an abundance of smiles, singing and dancing.

My time with these lovely ladies was far too short but according to culture we needed to share some food/treats together and take lots of photos before leaving. It was such a wonderful afternoon. We gave Irene a lift to the taxi as she would not be able to stay overnight as planned because her son was not feeling well but being looked after by her mother in her absence.

Alfred found me, Pastor Aaron and himself a nice quiet place to have dinner and then rooms to stay overnight before taking the 3 hour drive back to Kampala tomorrow.

July 19 –

After a great night’s sleep I awoke early and walked down to the water’s edge of Lake Victoria. It was beautiful and cool and the birds were singing songs that just had to be songs of praise to the Savior. I observed some fishermen coming in from setting their nets and there was an early morning mist still on the water…….it was beautiful!!!

We had a delicious breakfast and from where we were we could see two prisons on the opposite riverbank across our portion of the lake…….if God brings me back next year…….perhaps I can go there.

After our return trip to Kampala we arrived back to my room about 2 pm with time for me to pack up to leave tomorrow before going to a Secondary School at 3:30 to speak to about 200 youth. But while I was packing and the guys were resting the yard man, James, appeared. He is far more than the yard man as I have observed him doing absolutely everything from bringing me hot tea water, any food I order, emptying my room trash, doing the wash, helping us load and unload the van …… just about everything. He became a bit distressed when he asked if I would return to Kampala after going to Rwanda and I told him no, I would be returning to America. I told him I had some things for him, a bible set, an IRM T-shirt, 3 ties and a small “tip”,  not usually given here.

 I asked him if he had ever received Jesus as his Savior and he said he would read about Him in the bible I had given him. It was a most precious opportunity as the Lord gave me the privilege of hearing this dear man pray the sinners prayer……the angles were singing as was my heart.

It was time to head to the secondary school, so off we were for the final time of ministry here. We were welcomed at the school and they assembled over 200 youth to hear me speak, sharing my testimony, forgiveness of others and the importance of making good choices now to insure good consequences for their future, 91 received God’s free gift of salvation.

After returning to my room Alfred and Pastor Aaron packed up the van for Aaron's 8 hour drive to Rwanda tonight. Alfred returned home and will pick me up tomorrow morning for us to make the 30 min. flight to Rwanda.

Thank you everyone who has been faithful partners to pray for this leg of the IRM 2013 Ministry trip. I am anxious to be in Rwanda tomorrow to prepare for the US Team’s arrival on July 26^th.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

July 16 - Ministry at Ntenjeru Prison

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

Ministry Partners,

Beautiful Ugandan Children

With the changes in the itinerary today found us off to do ministry at Ntenjeru Prison, our 4^th prison, but before leaving town we purchased a small battery operated sound system as the places we go have no electricity and the one we had rented was no longer available to us.

This prison was closer than the others have been but the Gov. did not want us visiting the prisons local to Kampala as most people go there. We are reaching untouched territory for sure.

Anyone driving down the road would not have realized this was even a prison as there are no brick walls surrounding the area or guards visible. The area is surrounded by sheets of corrugated tin stood on end. We drove up to a small open door in a set of larger doors and Alfred went inside to tell them we were there. He returned after a bit and the large metal doors were opened for us to drive inside.

  The warden was not there but the O.C. (Officer in Command) welcomed us. This was a very small prison with only 74 prisoners including 6 women prisoners and 1 tiny baby. We were informed that all the prisoners are not here as some went to where the prison food is grown to bring back vegetables and the truck had broken down.

They set us up under a tree along with the 6 women prisoners and the 40 or so men sat under the overhang of a long narrow building that I presume was their sleeping area.

Our new sound system worked well but I chose not to use a mic. And left them for Alfred and Pastor Aaron to use for worship and translating.

One of the prisoners assisted Alfred in leading worship before I preached the message on “Fear” followed by the Holy Spirit bringing 18 to saving knowledge in Christ. We were able to hand each one a Bible and discipleship Booklet and I told the rest of the prisoners that we had brought 3 cases of Bible/Booklet sets as well as soap. That information brought a round of applause.

Then I spoke for a bit about “Forgiveness”…… the importance of forgiving others and yourself to which 32 responded to that prayer of invitation. As I walked up to each one and shook their hand speaking a blessing over them most were crying. I ended our time there by talking about their value to God and each other. I told them that we all hear enough ugly words from others in the world and that they needed to be kind to each other and encourage each other. I could tell they agreed as they shook each others hand/smiled and repeated a few words of encouragement to each other.

The response of these prisoners, indeed, made this another amazing day – a day to give God praise.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Saturday, July 13 -

Isa. 12:4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.NIV

Ministry Partners,

Please pray for demon possessed lady that we encountered on July 12th. Pastor Aaron says the area is filled with witchcraft and shrines along with child sacrifice! Pray also for Pastor Aaron, Alfred and myself as we never know what encounter the Lord will present before us.

This morning I was awake before 6 anticipating our visit to Kasangati Prison which is a short drive from where I am staying. We were previously introduced to the warden there, Warden James, by Pastor Herman. There are a total of 168 prisoners at this prison with 16 of them being women. Unlike Rwanda, the women will not be allowed to be at the general crusade we will be doing.

We arrived at the prison promptly at 10 as the warden had requested and he was waiting for us having already assembled the men prisoners. The prisoners unloaded the Bibles & Discipleship booklets we had brought along with the bars of soap we had brought for the prisoners while Alfred and I visited with the warden and I gave him the gifts I had brought for him, a Bible/Booklet set, an IRM tee-shirt  and 2 ties.

Pastor Aaron was busy setting up the sound system and I could hear him “testing” the microphone sound levels. I first met Pastor Aaron in 2006 but have never worked with him. He is small in stature but VERY large in laughter and service with a humble spirit that makes him a joy to serve alongside. He is very good at translating for me and he is ever so dynamic, I catch myself speaking and then watching him. Sometimes his translation, like Alfred’s, is so lengthy as he grasps the concept and not just the words that I wonder………did I say all that?

 Pastor Aaron as well as Alfred drives us everywhere we need to go in our rental van and that is a feat in itself with the traffic here. It is much more congested than I have ever seen in Rwanda.

The prison & prisoners today had such a different atmosphere than the first prison. It did not take long for the prisoner’s faces to soften a bit and they were very attentive as I spoke. The men were sitting under a long narrow covered walkway while I was in a grassy area in front of them with the sun to my back. 107 received God’s free gift of salvation.

I ended the crusade by taking about “Forgiveness” of others or themselves and I noticed one prisoner weeping who finally lowered his face into his hands. 140 responded to the “Forgiveness” invitation.

I did not realize it until later but Alfred said that the warden had appeared behind me and listened as I shared my testimony. I could hear the women prisoners singing at times as I was sharing. How I wish I could have spent some time with them.

After I finished sharing the warden took the mic. and said some very nice things about IRM that he had actually written down on a piece of paper while some inmates brought the Bible sets and soap so the prisoners could see their gifts. The warden invited us to please return. I am happy with the positive relationship we now have with this warden.

After finishing at the prison, Alfred took us by the original home that he bought here. At the time he bought it he did not know where the children would be going to school and now that they are settled in a Christian International School where Blessing also teaches it became too far of a drive so Alfred has rented out the house but is still doing additional building on some of the property. It really is a huge amount of property and he has a complete design for additional buildings (rooms) where mission teams can be hosted.

He took so much pride in showing me all over the property and asking the renter to show me inside the house, it really is very nice. It's too bad that he and Blessing and the children cannot live here but now have a small rental that is close to the children's school. He was very proud to tell me that as he gets a small amount of funds he has the builders continue with his building project.

Pastor Aaron, Alfred and I sat on his front porch in the shade and had our traditional IRM lunch but I noticed that as soon as he finished his sandwich he disappeared but reappeared after a few moments with a very tall, thin beautiful young woman which he introduced as a longtime friend whose name was Irene. The tone of her voice and laughter made me like her almost immediately and I was very pleased when I found out that she will be translating for me during all of the Women's Meetings.

We both had an especially fun time as we teased Alfred  and I see that she does not cut him any slack either. We all got in the van and drove just a short ways down the hill to the place where she lives with her mother and a whole host of children only one of which is her son.

Then we needed to travel to Alfred's rented house so he could pick up some things. Pastor Aaron and I waited in the car but I just couldn't help myself as I saw three young children sitting alongside the road and I had to get out and take some photos of them.

On the way back to where I'm staying we stopped at the local market and picked up another loaf of bread for tomorrow and my dinner……. a small beef pie and a chicken pie, both to just be held in your hand and eaten. Once they are reheated in my microwave they actually are pretty tasty and since the food where I'm staying leaves a lot to be desired, they do quite nicely.

After leaving me at my room Alfred and Pastor Aaron took the van to get washed and checked all out before our trip tomorrow.

Since it is Saturday night the other side of the complex where I'm staying is playing VERY loud music but it is okay as I have lots to do to sort out all the contents of the bags we will need to load into the van tomorrow. I also have to pack a small travel bag as Irene, myself and Alfred will be staying in the area of Hallelujah Christ Ministries Church, Pastor Aaron's church, overnight. It's about a three-hour drive and just too far to drive back and forth for two days especially with the road construction that is going on in that direction.

I didn't realize just how tired I was as a set down on the small couch in my room and promptly fell asleep. When I woke up I realized that the oscillating fan that James had set up in my room had quit working and is was just too hot to be without it. As soon as I opened my door to go find James, there he was and he promptly came in and very quickly had it working again.

It's very late now and the music stopped so I guess it is safe to go to bed especially since the next two days will be very long ones.

The internet has be off and on so my emails may be delayed some but I will try and do my best.

Arlene

July 12 - An amazing day.............

Ministry Partners,

Today was a most interesting day.....certainly a day to give God praise for.

Although I was up at 5:30, Alfred and Pastor Aaron were to arrive at 7:30 but due to the traffic I have mentioned before they were delayed until after 8 and by the time we got the car loaded and departed to connect with Pastor Herman and Ann it was 8:30. But when we arrived at the point of connection we were informed that due to issues in his ministry Pastor Herman was not going to be able to do further ministry with us and was going to take his own car so they could return, straight away, after showing us where the location of the prison was that we would be doing ministry in today........a three hour drive away.

About an hour into our journey Pastor Herman pulled off the road telling us that a tin barrier was the location of the 3rd prison we have been approved to visit next week.

After stopping to purchase soap for the prisoners we arrived at the all men's prison at about 11:45 and were informed that due to medical people doing testing on the premises we would have to wait until 2pm to set up and 3pm for the crusade. Pastor Herman and Ann left for the 3 hour return trip to Kampala after making introductions of us to the Deputy Warden.

Now the Deputy Warden was a very interesting fellow but he showed us around the prison, cooking area, sleeping area, water system and shower area before allowing us to have a photo taken with him and then leaving for lunch.

Although it had rained hard in Kampala this morning there had not been any rain there but the day was cooler and the crusade location, under some huge trees made for a pleasant setting.

We set up for the crusade and for the first time tried out the portable, battery operated sound system that Pastor Herman borrowed for us. It holds an 8 hour charge and is an extremely powerful system with cordless mics. We are going to try and borrow/rent it for our time in Rwanda. If God brings me back next year we will have to see about getting a system like it for our own.  

 After hearing we were there a demon possessed woman dressed in black arrived as we were setting up asking for prayer. I walk up to her and she bowed to me by getting on her knees. The first thing I asked her was if she had ever asked Jesus to forgive of her sin and be her Savior? She responded by telling me how demons woke her up and threatened/tormented her, I kept taking her back to my original question but it was evident she did not wan to answer nor did she want to look at me in the eyes or say the name "Jesus". Every time I asked her she eluded the question and at one point told me she was a ".........". I told her this was not about a religious organization but rather it was about Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him.

I went through claiming the blood of Jesus and demanding the evil spirits to go in the name of Jesus Christ and and again claiming the blood of Christ. The more she was unable to even say the name of Jesus the more the huge tears rolled down her cheeks. Her torment was evident. I had never dealt with anything like this so at one point I asked Pastor Aaron to assist me, so that two of us were standing in agreement, which he did. I kept asking the Holy Spirit to be evident and claimed victory in this precious woman. Finally through the tears the words came " Jesus, Jesus, be my Savior!" Pastor Aaron and Alfred watched and listened as she followed me in prayer and prayed the sinners prayer and we all watched as through the tears a "gentle" peace crept over her face and in her eyes. I prayed a final prayer over her, anointed her with oil and gave her a Bible. Only God does such a thing and can set the captive free.......free indeed!!!

The Warden finally arrived and seemed to appreciate the gift I had brought him by allowing me to have a photo taken with him. He was quite gracious to us while informing us that he was the Director of all the prisons in that District and giving us his contact information. Hummmm, another important contact/relationship.

The whole atmosphere of this prison is so different from the last one. 140 of the 160 prisoners came, 18 accepted God's free gift of salvation and we were able to give each new believer a Bible and Discipleship booklets telling the other inmates that the leadership would distribute the remaining bibles as well as the soap we had brought. 35 prayed to forgive others or themselves.

Then the prisoners lined up to be prayed for and anointed with oil ...... something that has never happened before. They ended with the lead guard joining in as they began joyfully singing/dancing and giving God praise for the work he had just done in their lives.

Needless to say the 3 hour ride home was filled with praise and the minutes ticked away as we discussed every aspect of the miracles that we had all watched God do.

  It's almost midnight and tomorrow is another prison visit. Please continue to pray, your prayers are being answered.

That none would be lost,

Arlene