Jan. 24

Ministry Partners and Friends,

Today my heart is sad as it marks the end of prison ministry for this trip. It's been an amazing trip with many "down" the enemy has thrown at us but with those "downs" we have see the power of God displayed as we have watched His mighty victorious hand at work. What marvelous peace it brings to know that everything has first filtered through the Father's hands and that He has equipped us as his warriors to stand firm and watch Him win the battles for us, of which there have been many. As we have stood firm we have had the opportunity to watch the Holy Spirit work as never before in the hearts of villagers, chaplains, prisoners, officials and in the team members as well.

It was busy today as we ministered in two prisons, a man's prison in the morning and a women's prison in the afternoon. On the way to the prisons we once again went through a number of security check points but at least this time I was not searched.

At the men's prison  they were divided in two groups and gathered in two sections.
"One group was called "Remand" prisoners. When a person is remanded in custody it means that they will be detained in a prison until a later date when a trial or sentencing hearing will take place. The majority of prisoners on remand have not been convicted of a criminal offense and are awaiting trial following a not guilty plea." Thank you Google search! The Remand group was quite large compared to the sentenced prisoners.
The second group were sentenced prisoners who have been convicted.

There was a walkway between the two groups so that was where I spoke from. The sun was up but not two hot and I had sunscreen on. The Holy Spirit spoke mightily into the hearts of  the men who made good choices for themselves today. Watching the Holy spirit bring them to salvation was a special blessing to my heart as did hearing them pray forgiveness and watching many stand and apologize asking another prisoner for forgiveness.

A few prisoners stood and told what it meant for us to be there today. They said their lives had been transformed by receiving Christ and the forgiveness message.

Then we went next door to the women's section where the women and guards made good choices for themselves in salvation and forgiveness. They did not make the choice to apologize but they saw and heard how to apologize and live in peace in their difficult situation. We gave each of the women one of the scarves you donated and then gave each of the children one of the darling crochet caps you donated. But I could not help but cry as I said goodby knowing this was my last crusade this trip.

When we finished we were told the prison O.C. had lunch prepared for us. Wow, what a special treat that they would do that. The O.C. said some kind things to us and asked if we would please come back.

There was a woman pastor who had traveled some distance to be in the women's section with us and I had the opportunity to pray with her after we finished and went outside 

We ended the day with a meeting led by Alfred from Australia and I gave the team their gifts and  certificates as a thank you from IRM.

Please pray for Aaron he has contracted the same thing I have. I am taking the Cipro I brought with me and Aaron went to town to try and purchase some for himself.

Moses and Edward will leave for home at 4am tomorrow and Aaron and I will leave for Nairobi about 9-10.

We so appreciate your prayer covering:

1. Health and renewed stregnth
2. Safety as we all travel

That none would be lost,

Arlene