June 12

Ministry Partners,

The very fact that I am writing this post is proof that God is concerned about even small things like laptops that refuse to work. After being told that the hard drive on my computer was locked and the computer tech Tim (on another team also staying here) made a Skype call to Mike (the computer tech at my church) I was told that nothing could be done until I returned home as there must be something wrong with the keypad. Tim worked on it for 2 hours and put the password in every way possible and then some and it just would not unlock.

I went to bed saying "Regardless of the circumstance I will give you praise Jesus as you ARE in control". As I woke the next morning I was talking to the Lord, telling Him how much I needed the computer when He told me to pick it up and open it, which I did. I opened it and the screen was still black as I typed in the password AGAIN and taa-daa the screen opened right up. I heard Tim talking to someone in the hallway and took the open computer for him to see. The look on his face was priceless as he did a double take and I said "Boy, do you have a story to tell your techie friends". Our laughter and praise was a great way to start the morning.

Yesterday the team went to the Colonels Village (Alfred has dubbed it the IRM Village). There isn't enough space to tell you the laughter we all had as a new driver, Aaron, and then Alfred drove. If you have never had the absolute pleasure of taking a ride with Dorothea and Tanya you are really missing out. I was sitting between them and they both had us laughing so hard our sides ached. Of course Roger and Jon had never been on this village trip before so their remarks coupled with our laughter made for a VERY memorable ride up, you would not believe it but at times Jon was actually speechless !!! I think Pastor Roger had had enough from all of us as he decided to safely drive the Colonels NEW jeep down the hills back to Kigali. Only a jeep could go where we went....up, down and sometimes sideways and I am NOT joking.
Our time at the village was wonderful and the evening concluded with a dinner of roast goat (on a stick) and roast matoke (a starchie green banana) with the village leaders. Looking up at the star studded sky made it a most wonderful end to a terrific day. There is just nothing like seeing people receive Christ's gift of salvation and then so filled with joy at receiving a Bible of their very own that they sing and dance, giving God praise.
We arrived at the Colonels and after he greeted us he drove us home. Since he does not worry about getting a ticket the ride was VERY interesting around corners and bumps. All with Roger, Alfred and Aaron (all former DRIVERS)in the back seat. Of course dear Dorothea just couldn't resist a whispered comment "He'd better be careful, the back seat is already full of ex-drivers". Have you ever tried not making a sound while you are laughing so hard that you can't catch your breath?
Thanks a lot PASTOR Dorothea !!!!!

A few nights ago we were returning to Kigali after dark and were stopped at a check point by 2 police officers. Alfred told them we had been to Nsinda prison doing ministry and the officer asked for our passports. Alfred handed the officer two of my tracts instead. The officer went to the front of the vehicle and looked at them in the headlights then waved us on. Do you know anywhere else in the world where a Gospel tract would work in place of a passport??????

Today, we were at Nsinda Prison where the new warden is a tall, young, very handsome man. I think I have found favor with him as he insisted on carrying my backpack and personally escorted the women to the Women's area and stayed to introduce us. The women had worked so very hard to make the area presentable and had a mic system set up and the area covered for us so we would not be in the sun while sharing. About 350 women were added to the Lamb's book of Life. I will never have accurate words to convey what the gift of a Bible means to them.

Even Pastor Roger's and Jon's teaching area was surrounded with used tarps so the Pastors Training would not be interrupted by the other prisoners.
It was a good day for all but Roger is still struggling with health issues.

Tomorrow we will be at the Foursquare church here and then hosting a "Thank You" dinner for those who have helped us so much.

We are seeing God work at every turn, your continued prayers are appreciated.

Arlene
for the team