May 12 .....

Ministry Partners,

Good morning from Kampala, Uganda. It’s a bit “cool” today and although the days are hot anything paper or clothing still has a feel of dampness. It is the rainy season here but we have consistently watched God care for us as it rains early in the morning while we are sleeping or late in the afternoon. We hold our crusades in the open so I am thankful that it has not rained on us.

I am still struggling with jet-lag a bit as I woke at 2:30 ready to start the day.

Bishop Geoffrey arrived in time to have devotions with us which Alfred led followed by a prayer time and then he had breakfast with us. We take turns with the morning devotional so tomorrow is Pastor Aaron's turn.

Alfred, Arlene, Aaron & Geoffrey

It was a short drive to the Women’s Prison today, another maximum security prison. The woman in charge who stated her position as Superintendent was very welcoming but would not allow me to take a picture with her because she was not in her official uniform but instead she said I could take one with some of her staff. What a great group of young women, we were informed that all the staff inside the prison was women and if men, like an electrician or such needed to go inside, they would have to be escorted. We were told that those in orange dresses were long term/life inmates and the ones in yellow dresses were those in for less years. 

Alfred had me share my testimony, in brief, with her and while we were chatting Deputy Commissioner Apollo entered the room and after giving me a hug he informed the Superintendent that we were very very good friends of his. His stay was brief as he was to pick up a prisoner who was found innocent.

Seeing these women I cannot help but thing if they were in street clothes we would just be having a women’s meeting at New Life Church. Alfred led them in worship accompanied by some of the women keeping rhythm on large African drums. Oh how I loved hearing them worship. It took some time for me to get them laughing as they were skeptical of me and what I came for, a common occurrence. 

They took us to a large chapel but I knew it could not hold but less than half of the 500+ women there so we put our speaker just outside one of the large open windows so those inside and those seated outside under the porch roof as well as those on the grassy knoll could hear. I then stood in the entrance of the double wide doorway, it was my first time to preach in the round!!! Pastor Geoffrey later said I had a special anointing on me today as I spoke but all I know is that the Holy Spirit poured out His Spirit on the women. 

One young girl who said she was from Kenya came up to me at the end and gave me a purple purse and said she was so blessed by the words I spoke. 

My new 6X9'' lined clutch purse - an inmates gift to me

As we left and started walking up the hill we could see the women working, chopping wood. One lady was splitting a board with a large ax all the while holding the narrow board still with her bare feet. I tell you it made me cringe when she came so close to her toes.

As we got near the top of the hill some of the prisoners had hand crafts set out to sell but I knew my luggage space going home was already almost nil but Pastor Geoffrey bought a small basket. 

As we started home the rains came, once again God had held back the rains until we had completed the task he had set before us. We made a quick stop at the store to purchase bread, pineapple jelly, granola and AA batteries for the hand held mic’s. The guys were happy to get their PP&J or PP&Honey sandwiches and so was I. This store has a wonderful whole grain bread that tastes like homemade and makes for a sandwich that stay with you.

The guys left me at our hotel so I could get this blog written and they took off to do more errands. Tomorrow we prepare to go north to Gulu so there will be lots to do.

It’s hard to believe that I have been here 1 week already, the time is going far too quickly.

Please continue to pray for us, I really appreciate the time you take from your lives to cover me ant the team with your prayers. Blessings dear partners.

That none would be lost,

Arlene