Jan. 1, 2026 – Happy New Year - Mbale, Uganda

 Ministry Partners

Today is our last day in Mbale before heading to Kenya for the final part of IRM’s 2025-2026 ministry trip. I am thankful for a day of rest although Alfred is working on the report that will go to the Uganda Commissioner of Prisons and Aaron and I will sort everything in the van and throw away what we no longer need. It is amazing how things get so jumbled over the very rough roads after just a few days of ministry when I don’t have time to touch anything in the back.  

Please pray for us as we travel to Kenya in the morning. We are only about an hour from the boarder and it is about 2 hours from the boarder to reach our first Kenya destination, Kitale. Boarder traffic is usually hectic but with this being a holiday time as well as election day soon to arrive there is no way to plan what our crossing will be like.

Psalm 121: 1-3 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber."

 Please pray for:

1. Safe and uneventful travel
2.  Unexpected opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
3.  A safe border crossing
4.  That there would not be any mechanical or structural issues with our van
5.  Favor with everyone we meet

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 31, 2025 – Happy New Year - 2026

 Ministry Partners,

I am enjoying a day of rest in Mbale, Uganda, on the final day of 2025 after a wonderful buffet breakfast where my choices were: a sm. omelet with cheese, 1- sm. beef sausage, potatoes, pineapple, croissant and tea with varied pastries, a banana and yogurt for later.  

“As the sun shines outside my window, I’m reminded of how precious this season is — a time when people gather close, reflect on God’s goodness, and look ahead with expectation. What a wonderful moment for us to pause and thank God for everything He brought us through this past year — and to lift our faith for the marvelous things He will do in the year to come.

When the clock strikes midnight, I encourage you to take a moment to open your mouth and fill it with thanksgiving. Thank Him for His grace, His glory, His power, His anointing, and His favor resting on your life. Thank Him for the victories yet unseen, the breakthroughs on their way, and the answers to prayer He is already orchestrating.

I am believing with you for a year overflowing with God’s goodness — a year of divine direction, supernatural strength, and abundant peace. As we step into a brand-new year together, I want you to know that I am thinking about you.”RR

Happy New Year, ministry partners. The IRM team and I love you, we thank God for you, and we are honored to stand in faith with you as we enter this new season of 2026 together.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 30 – I broke into tears today - Mbale Main Men’s & Women’s Prison

 Ministry Partners

Goodness did it ever rain last night, which meant everything at the prisons would be muddy today and it was. Breakfast was a very good buffet so I had no trouble of finding enough to eat.  

 

 No electric washing machine here 

The prisons were close, 20 min. away, but the phone GPS sent us to the Remand Prison so we had to make numerous stops to ask boda-boda (motorcycle) drivers directions. We finally arrived at the prison about 30 min late arriving at Mbale Main with 1,600 prisoners, but we were given a warm welcome. The officer who was given charge over us was a very friendly fellow and said he was also a Bishop. When we walked to the huge soccer field we observed that a number of prisoners were already in the small covered area, singing loudly with the accompanying keyboard. Alfred asked them to move everything outside so more inmates could be accommodated, which they were glad to do. After a bit, a small double tent was brought over to provide shade for the team and some prisoners. The remaining prisoners sat in chairs just outside the tent and others just stood.

We were about to start when the “bell” rang and prisoners scrambled to get in rows to be counted. They were far more precise than yesterday and even had the Remand Prisoners (those without a trial yet) separate from those in current trial and those convicted. Finally, we started but I had to have Alfred tell the keyboard inmate not to play every time I finished a paragraph. We were able to finish our crusade without any further interruptions. I was so glad the Alfred and Aaron were able to translate into Luganda for me because they are so fast. The inmates responded well to the salvation, forgiveness invitations as well as the apology message.

The officer that stayed with us told the O.C. that our program was exceptional. 

Then it was time to go to the women’s prison of 165. We were greeted by the Social Affairs Officer who was a Mu..im with her head wrap on. I was pleased that she sat through our complete program. Most all the women responded to every invitation but I must admit I had a hard time holding it together at this prison as it was the final prison crusade in Uganda for this trip. As I said my “Goodbyes” I broke into tears and Alfred closed with prayer. At my age, I never know what God’s plan is for me so the final crusade in every country on every trip is difficult for me.

I am thankful we still have ministry in Kenya to do before I return home. Tomorrow is an actual rest day but we still need your prayer covering.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 29 – I gave her my glasses – Kumi Prison

 Ministry Partners, 

Goodness, what a good night’s rest I had last night. My usual sleep pattern is to go to bed and then get up every 2 – 2 ½ hours before finally rising at 6 – 6:30 but last night’s sleep told me just how tired I was as I did not wake up once but slept straight through until 6:30. Thanks for your prayers.

We had a good breakfast of Rolex’s, potatoes, pineapple, squares, yogurt, and tea. The guys added the local foods including peas, eggplant and beet juice but I passed on those.

During our travels, we saw two of these Hindu Temples being built.

“You Are Chosen

By whose measurement or standards do you evaluate your value? The Lord has specifically chosen you for a specific work in His kingdom (1Thess. 4: 4). We are not to think more highly of our selves than we ought but soberly for we were broken, disfigured and defiled by sin but He saw we were of some useful purpose and capable of working wondrously and redeemed us. He expects total surrender and dedication from you to Him for that work He has not only chosen us but molded us for our specific task. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2: 10)”. (DK & GSM)

Our drive to Kumi was 2 ½ hours but we arrived before noon. The Deputy O.C. welcomed us and had us go inside where we, and the inmates, were seated under a tree. Some were on benches before me and in the open area behind the tree. We were about to start our crusade when the bell rang and the inmates had to go back to their “wards” to be counted. It was not an orderly, quick, count like the ones we have observed at other prisons.

Then the 14 women prisoners entered and sat on benches to my right. But an officer came in and said, in front of the prisoners, that they had lunch ready and did we want to start and then take a break OR let them eat and then have our crusade. Of course, I was not about to make them wait to eat, hungry as they must have been. I told him to have them eat first, we would wait. We were able to observe a lot of things as we waited. Like, how a couple the men prisoners (mainly one M…im) were allowed to converse with a couple of the women prisoners and when they also brought food for the women, how four women would not eat. We watched as the other women kept picking “something” out of the food and throwing it on the ground. It was sad to watch.

The young prisoner who translated into Ateso for me did a good job and the prisoners responded to all the invitations, Salvation, Forgiveness and Apologizing. At the end, I gave the women all a donated scarf, there were no children there. Then a man and a women prisoner gave a testimony. The man said he had heard all kinds of preachers but today I broke into his heart.

The elderly woman inmate said how the Forgiveness message had influenced her and then held up her bible while saying, “But I can no longer see to read my bible.” I told her that I had a pair of reading glasses in the van and I was not sure they would help her but I would get them. When we went outside I got the glasses and started to go back inside but the women were coming out to return to their area. I stopped her and gave her the glasses but she put them on right up to her eyes. I pulled them down a bit on her nose to show her how to use them and as I did, she opened her bible and started reading aloud. Two guards standing there said, “She’s reading.” to the other guards standing nearby the rest of the inmates. Oh dear Jesus, how do I ever thank you enough for letting me come to Africa again and continue this wonderful prison ministry. It was a very good day.

Then we drove to Mbale where we will stay for 3 nights before going to Kenya. Our Uganda mission actually ended today as we have completed the 49 authorized prison crusades and 1 village church crusade but when Alfred realized we now had two days with no ministry because our Kenya trip was rescheduled by Chaplin Edward to start on Jan. 2, 2026 instead of Dec. 31,2025. Alfred called the O.C. of the local prison here in Mbale and asked if we might come to his prison tomorrow and do a crusade to which he said “Yes” but when he called the O.C. of the women’s Prison she said “No”.

Although prison officials are on Christmas break Alfred called Commissioner of Prisons, Jacob Kivumbi and he intervened for us by calling the Mbale Women’s Prison O.C. who then called Alfred and told him we could come tomorrow for a crusade.

Christmas and New Year’s is not a good time to find lodging although we found rooms at a hotel, they were not very good and I could not get internet in my room. So even though it cost more we moved into a better part of the hotel where I could get good internet.

I have had dinner and as soon as I finish this blog, I will shower and get to bed since it is already 9:30.

Please continue to pray for the inmates and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 28 – Elute Farm Prison

 Ministry Partners,

Today was a late start since we do not have to be at the prison until 2 and it was only twenty minutes away.

Breakfast was ok with scrambled eggs, potatoes, crescent rolls and tea. There was also a good looking cooked spinach with onion dish but because I discovered that my tummy did not like the spinach here I have learned not to eat it although I like it, it is similar to Swiss chard.  

There is a mechanic under our van checking it out.

It seems like a reoccurring story but after breakfast, the guys had to take off to have the undercarriage of the van checked because of a very loud “bang” noise that was heard while driving the other day. They tried to check it out themselves but found nothing. Alfred said the mechanic said that the bad roads have affected the springs.

I generally do not take naps but today I took about a 40 min. nap before we left for the small farm prison. We arrived and were greeted by the O.C. who had the prisoners ready. We could hear the loud singing and drum playing when we arrived and one inmate was playing a large Adungu. The inmates were seated in front of me under a small metal roof canopy while others were alongside a long building to my right, others were seated alongside the building to my left and even more prisoners were seated a ways in front of me under a small tree.

They went through 3 translators before finding one that would work and even he had trouble following me so Aaron first translated into Swahili and then the second translator translated into Luo. Because of having to do two translations from my English, it took much longer and because we could see that their dinner was waiting to be served we only did the Salvation and Forgiveness messages today but the prisoners responded to both.  

I was very happy we were close to the hotel and we were able to have dinner giving me time to finish this blog and get to bed at a decent hour. Today’s blog is short but with this heat these three musketeers are all a bit weary tonight.

We appreciate your continuing prayers. 

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 27 – Even in the “bush”, technology shows up! - Lira Men's and Women's Prison

 Ministry Partners

It seems even on mornings when I could sleep longer. my body clock has adjusted to waking up at about 6:00am. It is a beautiful morning here in Lira but that just means it will be another hot day for the two crusades we have scheduled for today.

Breakfast was sparse for me but they guys were fine with the local foods of cooked green bananas in red sauce and local seasoning are just not something that sets well with my tummy first thing in the morning. 

Even in the “bush”, technology shows up!

It was a good thing that today’s prisons were only about 10 min. away. We did the men’s prison of 1,450 inmates first and the Deputy O.C. from today’s prison came to our hotel last to meet with Alfred last night so he was at the prison when we arrived. Most of the men were under a cover but some meandered around outside the cover. The men were singing and dancing before we ever arrived as we could loudly hear them outside before we entered. While Aaron was setting up the sound system, I shook hands with some of the prisoners.

The Deputy O.C. made it very clear to the prisoners and us that although we had provided some soap and Bibles with booklets; it was not enough because of all the inmates there. I must admit I was surprised that he would address me in such a way with such a statement in front of the other inmates. This year, other O.C.’s have been thankful for what we have provided but because we held over 50 prison crusades, every prison got a small amount almost $85-$90 per prison and they shared in the 2,100 bibles and booklets I was able to purchase with the funds you provided. It costs about $12+ dollars to get 1 Bible into the hands of an inmate.

The inmate who translated into Langi for me today was an interesting fellow but did a good job. At one point, we heard the bell get hit and we knew we would have to stop while the inmates got up and formed 16 very long rows with two rows facing each other making 8 combined rows. The counting took about 20 minutes.

It was interesting as I was teaching how many prisoners would nod their heads as I quoted scripture or made certain comments. It was wonderful watching so many make good choices for themselves today as over 1,000 received Jesus as their Savior, prayed forgiveness and apologized. One inmate came up at the end and introduced himself as the prison Chaplin, he thanked me for coming and said that years ago when he heard me speak he had accepted Christ as his Savior and now he is the Chaplin. It brought me such joy to hear how God had blessed his life, even in prison.

“I have taken away your wrong-doing like a dark cloud, and your sins like a fog. Return to Me, for I have bought you and set you free.” Isaiah 44:22

Then it was off to the Women’s Prison with 165 inmates whose language was Luo and the Holy Spirit provided a young vibrant inmate to translate into the Luo language for me. The atmosphere was a bit different there today as when I started sharing about “Forgiveness” there were a few that were obviously being arrogant and prideful while others were crying. It was only the second time in all my years of ministry that I felt I needed to address the pride and arrogance that I saw.

It was good to see most respond to the salvation, forgiveness and apology messages and then there was time for testimonies. One young girl spoke about forgiving her father who forced her to have a abortion but then one inmate got up and said how the day before there had been those who had told lies about her and she named them. She said she could not forgive them and then she asked me how to handle it. The Holy Spirit gave me words to share and when I finished she called up one of the women she had named. She then forgave her and they hugged each other, it was a good thing for the other women to witness. Then the woman who had been forgiven asked if she could say something and as she took the mic she looked at me and said, “The Holy Spirit must have made you aware of what happened here last night. Some of us were in such a fight that we almost had to go to the hospital. Your talk today on “Forgiveness” is just what we needed.” The reconciliation that took place in the women’s prison today was indeed a powerful work of the Holy Spirit. I am so blessed that He let us be a part of it.

It was a powerful day today but I am very tired. Last night Alfred ordered a beef burger ahead of time for my dinner tonight but when dinner arrived, it was a chicken burger. You should know that because of the smell and taste it was not something I could eat, but about an hour later, my beef burger arrived. I wonder if it would be better for me to just tell them to bring whatever is available and not try to order anything but I know for sure that would never work.

Then it was time to finish this blog but Alfred had to fix some issues the computer was having due to hackers trying to get through the computer firewall.

It is 8pm and time for me to shower and go to bed. When the bathroom is so small that I can shower while sitting on the toilet it actually is a good thing, I do not have to worry about falling on the wet tiles. Yes, there is always something to be thankful for!

Thank you for your continuing prayers.

That none would be lost.

Arlene

Dec. 26 – One inmate, Daniel, gifted me a hand-molded clay horned bull. - Loro & Kole Prisons

 Ministry Partners,

Good morning, it is a beautiful quiet morning here in Lire, Uganda. I went to bed last night at 11;00 with the loud music still blaring but I was so tired that I fell asleep regardless. Alfred could not get the hotel internet to work so he linked my computer to his phone so I could get the blog posted. I am thankful for his knowledge with tech stuff because my knowledge in that area is severely limited.

 Daniel, gifted me a hand-molded clay horned bull.

I am hoping the two prisons we will visit today will be close to the main road as the rough dirt roads are causing difficulty for me, I appreciate your prayers.

Our breakfast was good but not the buffets like we have been having. I had scrambled eggs with peppers, seasoned potato pieces, Banana bread and hot chocolate, I turned down the chicken wings.

Then it was about an hour’s drive to Loro Farm Prison where there were 497 inmates and three officers that we met with. The two junior officers were both so very nice and one of them was tasked with being with us the whole time. He was surprised that I could stand and preach for two hours. I stood under a med. size tree at the edge while prisoners sat in front of me under the remaining shade. A short distance away was a large tree with inmates filling to overflowing the shade it provided.

I was thankful that Alfred and Aaron were able to translate for be into Swahili as the inmates responded to the salvation and forgiveness messages as well as the one to apologize. When we finished one inmate came forward and thanked me for coming and he said he had a gift for me, it was a hand-molded bull. I was pleased that the guard allowed Alfred to take a photo of us.

Then we headed back towards Lira and stopped at Kole Farm Prison on the way. It was such a small prison with only 62 men and 3 women. One big tree provided shade for all of us with the men in front of me and the women separate to my left. One inmate tried to translate for me but finally the Deputy O.C. decided to do the translation into the Langi language himself. He did a good job and did not have to keep stopping me.

When we finished, I gave each of the women the final three donated nylon backpacks that I had and one woman thanked me in English. One of the officers that had sat to the side spoke to the inmates and said that he was forgiving those inmates that had argued with him and he asked anyone whom he had offended to forgive him. It is a wonderful thing to watch the staff take to heart the messages I share.

I was glad to reach the hotel after our brief ride home and was able to work on this blog. They did not have what I wanted for dinner; most things on the menu are not available. It is hard to believe that I now eat because I need to not because I see or smell something that I would like to eat.

It is 8:00 and time for me to shower and go to bed and it is quiet here tonight no loud music, which just proves that there is always something to give God thanks and praise for.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends,

We appreciate your continuing prayers for:

• 1-    The salvation of many
• 2     Favor with everyone we meet
•  3-    A fresh anointing for the team
•  4-    Safety on the paved and dirt roads
•  5-    Good health and food for the team and me

That none would be lost,

Arlene