July 2nd

Ministry Partners,

  Another early morning of ministry.  Little did we know how busy the day was going to be, and as usual it turned out to be far different than we expected.  I awoke at 5:30 and decided it was best to get started instead of waiting for the 6:00 alarm.  As breakfast was scheduled for 7 instead of 8.  As we were having breakfast, Darius, Alfred's brother-in-law arrived to load up Bibles to transport and drop off at Butare Prison, Gikongoro Prison, and Changugu Prison.  As the Bibles were being loaded we were also loading the van because we were going to go a different direction.  But none of that was going to happen before we made our way into town.  First to stop at the printer to pick up discipleship booklets and then proceed to the Rwanda Correction Services office again.  Did I say again, I mean it, it was the fifth time we had to meet there.  But this time Darius would also follow us as he would need a copy of the signed approval letter we were visiting the offices for before he could arrive at the prisons.  If it weren't so urgent it would be funny that the guards at the gate don't stop to question us. They but allow us entry as soon as they see us coming.  Darius also followed us inside to wait while Alfred, Chad and I once again entered the front of the building.  It's interesting that the two interior guards greet us with a smile because we have become fast friends.

  Our little group proceeded to the commissioner's office.  His assistant usurer us into his empty office to inform us that the commissioner was in a meeting but assured us it was going to be brief. I have been inside his office so many times I could describe it to you in detail even if I were blindfolded.  Although the commissioner greeted us warmly he told us he had not yet received the signed document back on his desk and he asked us to return in 30 minutes. As I started to walk to our van I decided to walk over to where Dairus was parked instead.  I decided it was important for Pastor Innocent, Chad, Alfred and I to hold a time of prayer which we did.

  Today we are going to be visiting a refugee camp outside of a town about four hours out of town to do a crusade.  The plan was that we would stay overnight and then head to Chengugu where we would meet Pastor Innocent although Darius had returned to Kigali.  Our original plan was to do ministry at the Chengugu Prison then coming North back to Gikongoro prison to do ministry there before heading North to Butare Prison and then home to Kigali.  None of this ministry was going to be possible without the signed approval letter that we were waiting for.  Accompanying that document was also the document needed for our pastors to do follow up at in the prison during the next year.  To say that these two documents were crucial are an understatement and yet we have had no luck in procuring the documents.  So yes another round of prayer was definitely in order.  Finally the 30 minutes had passed and when we entered the building we were not even asked for our passports.  Yes we have become familiar faces.  When we were ushered into the commissioners office we were surprised as we were met with the head of Medical Services to the prisons and the head of Logistics.  It was an interesting brief meeting to say the least but PRAISE GOD we were finally handed the two signed documents.  As we left the building downstairs I may have lost my composure a bit by doing a little dance while celebrating across the parking lot showing Pastor Innocent and Darius two thumbs up and a smile.  They followed us in a pickup until we found a place to make photocopies so we could give them a set before both of us set off in opposite directions.

Church inside the refugee camp

  Although we did not go South through the forest our route was quite curvy as we traveled up and down the mountains.  We finally arrived at the hotel near the town of Goma we would be staying at to stop before heading to the top of the hill where the refugee center is located.  Pastor Pascal sent someone to guide us up the mountain and he informed us that the camp was only 30 minutes away.  I SHOULD KNOW BETTER.  No one, not even Superman himself could travel over that rutted, steep, gully washed, rock strewn, road in 30 minutes.  Of course not, it took us an hour and a half.  After going over the same types of roads yesterday to the TIG camps my backside will never be the same even though I am sitting on top of a neck pillow on top of my orthopedic seat cushion.  We finally arrived at the camp at three in the afternoon.  I had a huge concern that our late start in Kigali was going to be a problem for us to have a crusade inside the church because there is was no electricity and the sun was going to set soon.  The church was packed with refugees including the pastors who are friends with Pastor Pasco who is a Foursquare pastor.  Words can't express how intently everyone present listened to the words the Holy Spirit gave me to share and we watched as hundreds were added to the book of life.  Hundreds also prayed their decision to speak forgiveness over someone else for their poor choices.  As we closed our portion of the crusade Alfred began to lead them in worship and what a treat it was to watch he and Pastor Aaron along with the whole church singing along.  Ans as I had suspected darkness fell, we loaded up and started down the hill towards the hotel we are staying.  All of us admitted we were hungry and so we ate first before going to our rooms.  This has been a day to give God much praise for we have definitely seen his hand at work as he has gone before us and spoken into the hearts of the people.  I can tell you I will sleep well tonight.

That none would be lost

Arlene