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
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