Nov. 30 - He said he would get on his knees if necessary.

Ministry Partners,

 After breakfast I went to my room to finish packing and since we did not have to leave until 2pm, I decided to lay down for a while as I did not sleep well last night. My throat was sore and although it could have been from all the speaking I have been doing I also wondered if I was getting a cold so I took some nighttime cold medication. When I got to my room I also took some daytime cold meds.. The bed here is comfortable, and I will miss it.

Alfred arrived at my room to see that my suitcase and computer bag got loaded into the van and we were off to the prison. Because it only took an hour to get to the prison we had time to find our rooms for the next two nights before going to the crusade. It is an amazing thing that a tiny basic room costs $100 but it has a toilet so I am not complaining. I don't do well dealing with pit toilets in the middle of the night.

There is no internet here so I am thankful that Alfred brought his portable WiFi but it seems to also have issues. If I am not able to post this blog tonight or any other nigh, I will post them on fb when I can. Alfred is not sure it will work in Tanzania.

Fishermen on Lake Victoria

We arrived at the prison but rain threatened to disrupt everything outside so the O.C. decided to gather the men and 3 women in one of the cells. The men sat so close and scrunched together and there was a bench for the the O.C. and  women guard to sit. The Deputy O.C. st just out side the door. This was a first, I entered a small prison cell to hold our crusade. I can't imagine sleeping on that hard cold cement floor night after night after night.

This group was very friendly and really laughed at some of the illustrations and when the apologized to each other. But the best was hearing the ask Jesus to be their Savior, follow me in the Forgiveness prayer.

At testimony time one prisoner said he had forgiven his wife and he was going to contact his wife and ask for forgiveness. He said he would get on his knees if necessary.

Before leaving I gave each of the three women a donated scarf and the baby a new crochet cap.

By the time we finished it had  stopped raining and as we left we saw 10 inmates in the yard that had just returned from work. I felt bad that they had missed our time there.

We ordered dinner at our hotel and the proceeded to bring the guys local food right away but I had to wait for my fish and chips for over 30 min. I spoke with Alfred but he did not have an answer for what I can  do. Without exception almost every meal cost $15 or more and the most the time the serving is much larger than I can eat. I don't like wasting food and it is not an option to order a half order. I can verify that rooms and food is not that reasonable here.

We are along side the road and because it is Sat. the noise from the courtyard is loud to say the least. I am VERY glad I brought my earplugs with me.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 29 - Yesterday was a great day/way to thank God and give him praise!

 Ministry Partners,

The internet was working better this morning so I am posting the photo I wanted to post yesterday.

I have so much to be thankful for and the list continues to grow not only in my personal life but also for IRM. I am so thankful that Jesus has been my Savior since 1964 and that He has called me to this ministry and enabled me to share His love with others. I am so thankful for my son, Rev. Alfred and Rev. Aaron who partner with and serve alongside me. We, three, are so thankful for each of you who sacrifice financially to send us here and those of you who faithfully hold IRM and us up in prayer. Yesterday, we spent our Thanksgiving in two prisons watching the Holy Spirit bring over 2,000 to saving knowledge in Jesus Christ. 

What a great day/way to thank God and give him praise!

So far today, there has been no rain. The partying here went on late last night so I am thankful that I was able to sleep in til 7:45 since we only have one prison crusade today. The O.C. said he wanted us there at 2pm which means we left our hotel at 1:15 but with especially rough roads we arrived at 2:10.

 

This was a small farm prison of 98 but some were out so there were 76 prisoners plus 6 guards for me to speak to. The prisoners gathered under a large tree and there was even room for me so I did not have to stand in the sun. At every prison there are those prisoners who "act" detached and watch the ground when I look at them but then there are those who never take their eyes off of me, even when I look directly at their eyes. And then there are always a few that watch me so intently that they don't seem to even blink. I had a couple of those today as well as having everyone there respond to all 3 invitations.

At testimony time, one prisoner said," I was full of anger because my employer and I was planning to go and take revenge in him but now I has forgiven him and I feel free in my heart."

On the way home, we stopped at a roadside cafe for dinner and had BBQ pork on a skewer with a plate full of accompaniments. I usually have a hard time finding something to eat but tonight I ate very well.

Tomorrow we leave this place and travel towards our next prison and get closer to the boarder. We will soon be entering Tanzania.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 28 - "The words I heard today have conquered my heart"

 Ministry Partners,

Although it rained last night it was not raining when I got up.

Sorry, the blog would not let me add a photo tonight

It appears they found they ran out of seating for breakfast yesterday so they opened up the big dinning hall for breakfast today. When I went to get the water for my tea another lady was just setting down the  hot water container because it was empty. But as she started to turn away they brought a fresh one and set it in front of me. I motioned for her to go ahead, after all she was there first, but the look on her face was puzzled. She poured her water and then looked at me and motioned to the cup I was holding. How sweet of her to pour my tea water as we both smiled at each other. No words needed.

As we sat eating our breakfast I noticed a lady with a young child sitting a table away. She kept pointing the child toward me and talking to him in English, I guess she wanted him to see his first Muzungu (white person). Usually here when young children sees me they cry and are afraid because they have never seen someone like me before. Finally, I got up and walked toward them and told the mother that I did not want to make him cry. She laughed and I was fine coming close. She said he was 8 months old and I told her he was a darling child. I told he to have a blessed day and then returned to my table.

As we left for the men's prison it began to rain and I was concerned because they lock the prisoners in when it rains. We met with the deputy O.C. and another officer and Alfred discovered they had been similar places so they struck up quite a conversation laughing with each other. I was so pleased when they both said they would come hear me speak. But we saw God's provision when the Deputy O.C. decided to have the men brought into a very large building. We watched as the men just kept coming, more and more and more, I wasn't sure the room could hold them but they sat crunched together all 1,900 of them.

There is just something exciting about speaking to such a large group and watching them respond to not only the salvation message but also the forgiveness message. And when they went to apologize to each, and some to the Deputy O.C., the smile on his face was priceless.

One prisoner said, "I am choosing to forgive my complainant today. The words I heard today have conquered my heart."  

Then it was off to the women's prison where we found a new building for us to meet in. The O.C. was one I had met before so we found favor right away. Once I share my testimony about believing I had no value the skepticism fades away and they then understand that when Jesus died on the cross he demonstrated his love for them. Romans 5:8 Showing them they have value to the Savior and so do you.

The women made such good choices today in responding "Yes" to all three invitations. And as some women gave their testimony about what the Holy Spirit did in their hearts during our time together one inmate said that her husband dead and she never knew it was important to forgive him but after watching our object lesson she realized how important it was, so she prayed to forgive him. Watching the women choosing to be obedient to what the scriptures say about receiving God's free gift of salvation, Eph. 2:8&9 as well as forgiveness makes EVERYTHING we go through to be here very very worth it.

Just to be clear, Satan hates us and what we are doing here and we experience Demonic attacks every day. That is just one reason we appreciate your prayers for us. 

It may be late before I get to sleep tonight, there is a party going on just outside my room in the small courtyard there.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 27 - The days are going by too quickly

 Ministry Partners,

This morning I awoke at 7 to drizzling rain. Here I thought I was leaving Oregon rain and cold behind. One day is cold and the next is hot.

 

Regardless of  rain or the hot sun, meat & fish are displayed in the open.

When we arrived at the breakfast buffet at 8, we found the whole area taken by other guests so we took seats outside under a covered area along with some other guests. Now, I know why our 9 o'clock breakfast yesterday was so picked over. After eating we all went back to our rooms until 10:45 when we left for the very close prison here. The Deputy O.C. told Alfred yesterday that he wanted us there at 11. It was good to meet him but realized we knew him from meeting him at a different prison some years before. Of course we found favor with him.

After doing 3 prison crusades yesterday, we were only scheduled to do one today. It was so nice to see that they were ready for us and had the 350 men assembled although we had to wait a few minutes for them to bring in 25 women and 2 children. It was apparent that their woman guard was not too happy.

The porch overhang, in a U shape, made a great covering for the prisoners with the women sitting on my left. The center of the U was cement so I did not have to worry about mud as it had stopped drizzling but it did mean I would be in the sun for the entire crusade. I was thankful that at times God provided a bit of shade covering the sun.

Watching prisoners faces loose that hopeless look and seeing them 'nodding and smiling' in agreement as I quote scripture during the message and having them respond to the invitations makes my heart happy. I actually don't actually have words to accurately describe it. The prisoners often say that they had no hope before the team came.

At one point Pastor Aaron was interpreting for me and I looked over and saw Alfred sitting in a chair next to the women prisoners, he was holding one of the children. He loves on children every chance he gets, I know he misses his 3 year old son, Honor, at home in Australia. I hear him often face timing him.

After we finished the guys dropped me off at the hotel and then went into town to purchase some coolant for the van and purchase drinking water for the van as well as more batteries for the sound system. Our system rums on electricity and on battery which we keep charged. But the handheld microphones the guys use need batteries ans well as the pack for my headset mic.

Tomorrow we do two prison crusades but the following 4 days we do one a day as we head toward Tanzania, entering the country on Dec. 3. I cannot believe how fast the days are going by here. 

Thank you for continuing to pray for the prisoners and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 26 - With over 370 entrances into prisons, today was a first

 Ministry Partners,

Although the clock said 5am this morning I awoke a few minutes earlier and just turned the alarm off. 

We left for the prison at 6 and and arrived at about 6:30 and there they were, 235 prisoners, eating their portage directly out of colorful plastic bowls, no silverware needed. Most of then appear to be so young. 

As we were setting up a huge older male turkey appeared and started clucking when some young ones appeared. I was standing next to my stand with notes on it but the male turkey came towards me, still clucking so I moved to the opposite side and the turkey followed. He was protecting his hens but he was too close for comfort so I called Alfred who came and shooed him/her away.

But, what a wonderful way to start the day, sharing the Gospel, about forgiveness, showing them how to apologize and then watching them (along with some Mus...) respond to God's free gift of salvation and the other invitations. The 4 guards also responded. When we finished and asked for testimonies about what God did in their heat this morning, I asked each inmate for permission and then hugged them which always gets a positive response from the other inmates. But today as the third prisoner came forward to give his testimony I heard another prisoner, in English, say, "He just wants a hug."

Although the prisoners are treated badly by many they can see and hear a difference from us. Matthew 25:40 says, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”Jesus reminds us that acts of kindness toward others are seen as acts of kindness toward Him. 

Alfred & Arlene with an officer & children from our 3rd prison today

We arrived back at our hotel in time for breakfast and then it was time for me to start writing this blog as the guys went into town to get very dirty van washed and have some additional copies of our approval letter from the Commissioner made, each prison wants to keep ours.

I had finished the blog to here and all my other work was done so I decided to lay down for just a bit, it was 10am. I pulled the drapes and turned the lights out and as I pulled the covers over me I fell quickly asleep only waking when I heard Alfred call my name.....it was 1pm. I took quite a nap, 3 hours, for a person who does not usually take naps.

It was time to head to our 2 o'clock appointment at our second prison of the day. the O.C. warmly welcomed us and had the prisoners gathered under a very large shade tree. Watching the inmates along with 2 Mus.... and all the guards and P.C. make choices for salvation, forgiveness and apologizing almost brought me to tears. I am so blessed to be part of what the Holy Spirit is doing in these prisons. At testimony time one prisoner said,"I feel something special today in my heart, I am now born again."

We finished at about four and it was just a few minutes for us to arrive at the third prison. We were warmly welcomed by the Women O.C. who had prepared a tarp-ed area for the prisoners to sit. But to my left sat a guard that arrived with about 8 children of various ages all dressed in their best cloths. My testimony really is not for children but Alfred said with the translation, no to worry about it. When I gave the invitation for salvation some of the children also stood up and prayed. PRAISE THE LORD!

One prisoner at testimony time said,"Today, I am a changed man and I wast to do what you are doing."

Before leaving one guard brought the children over to me so photos could be taken with them, Alfred, the guard and the O.C.

We stopped and had dinner before arriving at our hotel. At dinner we debriefed and spoke out our VERY unusual day of being in the prisons before and after hours as well as doing 3 prison crusades in one day. God blessed this day and us for sure today. With my hip and back issues I could not have preached 3 crusades (2+hours each) without the help of the Savior and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. All praise to Jesus!

It is 9:35 now and the bed is calling my name.

That none should be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 25 - Anyone for fresh Tilapia?

 Ministry Partners,

Well, today went quite different than we planned. 

We left early from Kampala at 7:15 with a familiar downpour of rain. We drove about an hour in the direction of our first prison and stopped for breakfast at Alfred's Doctor friends place for breakfast. I thought he would be busy with patients but he came personally to see that we had  great breakfast and visited for some time.

 

When we arrived at noon at the first prison we were told that most of the prisoners we already out in the fields and could  we come from 3 to 5. Alfred called the second prison O.C. to find out if we could do the earlier and they said no but come from 6pm to 7:30. Both of those requests are MORE than unusual and unheard of.  In all my years of doing prison ministry NO ONE enters a prison before 10am or after 4pm. 

Because we had time we traveled to Masaka to find rooms for the next 4 night. We will do many prisons in the area during the next 4 days. We were fortunate as the Lord provided rooms at a fully booked hotel because two people had checked out. The guys are not next door as I prefer but just down the hall a few room away. After sitting and resting for a few minutes it was off to return to our 3 o'clock prison appointment.

We traveled close to Lake Victoria so of course there were sellers of fresh Tilapia along side the road, actually stepping in the roadway in front of the van to get you to buy their. People buy them and tie the fish on the back or front of the car. Not sure how that works in he very hot weather here.

  We had to wait a bit for all the prisoners to return but they had a room for us. Even tough it was not raining it was nice to be inside. The 120 prisoners listened so intently as well as the O.C. and I noticed two middle aged Mus... men setting at the very back. Oh how pleased I was when every single prisoner and the O.C. stood and prayed to accept Jesus as their Savior. Then one of the Mus.... men removed his cap. Jesus truly had the victory at this prison today. We were outside and two very young prisoners carried our things out to the van when Alfred asked them if he could take a photo of the three of us and they said yes. They came next to me and we all put our arms around each other and then they put their faces next to mine.        OH, WHAT A DARLING PHOTO! I will have to use it on one of my newsletters.

Then it was time to head out to the second prison but as we were heading down the main road/highway I head such a loud bang I thought it was a gunshot. Then slowly pulled the van off the road and got out of the van. He and Alfred went to the front and lifted the hood as steam came pouring out. The radiator cap had blown off and we lost all the water and coolant. Aaron hailed a motorbike and off he went returning about 45 min. later with a mechanic and a new radiator cap while Alfred emptied almost all the bottled  water we had into the radiator.  God's wonderful provision was that at 6 at night Aaron was able to find what was need to get us going again. Alfred said it must have really made Satan angry seeing two Mus... accept Jesus as their Savior!  

It was to late to make it to the prison so Alfred called the O.C. and told her of our situation and a very new, different schedule was set for tomorrow. We leave at 6am to be at the first prison at 6:30 to hold our crusade before thy have breakfast. Then go back to the hotel to rest followed by the second prison that is  from 2-4  and the third close by prison is from 4-6.    

I have never held three prison crusades in one day before so please pray for me.

It is 10pm and I have yet to bathe and 5:30 wake-up comes early.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 24 - Almost a 5 hour village church service today

 Ministry Partners,

It was nice to wake up this morning and find that it was not raining. We also got a later start today because we're not headed to a prison but to a village church made-up of refugees from Rwanda. Alfred has been connected with his church for some time. But today there were about 570 there and a number of them were first time visitors.

When we arrived the choir was singing and I must tell you there's just something very special about when the African people sing. The power in their voices as they sing worship songs to Jesus it's wonderful to listen to. I have been asked why I enjoyed the music so much when I don't understand what they're singing about but you see the Holy Spirit in me understands very well what they're singing about. But when we arrived the music was so loud I think you probably could have heard it a block away. That's one way to let people know that church has started and they're welcome to come. But because of the tinnitus in my ears I had Alfred ask them if they would turn the sound level down just a bit which they were gracious to do.

There were different choirs of different ages that sang and the children's choir was absolutely wonderful and none of the choirs had written music of a monitor of some kind to help with the words. Each choir sang a number of songs then it was time for me to share . I shared pretty much the same as I do when I do a prison crusade , for the need is always the same , salvation, forgiveness, and apologizing . There was one pastor who videoed my whole 1 hour and 45 minute talk so Alfred is going to get a copy from him for my memory box.

It was so interesting that when I gave the invitation for salvation and it clearly explained that just knowing religious facts about Jesus in your head is not enough to pay your way to heaven a number of the pastors there stood up and prayed the prayer. And once again watching the church people apologize to each other the wrongs of the past was an exciting thing to watch.

When we finished we asked for some testimonies. It's interesting when people say that the message I gave was just for them or that they had a dream the night before that I was coming. After they finished with their testimonies I had a number of packages of scarves that I gave out to all the women present while the men received those beautiful donated ties. There were so many children there that I just did not have enough caps for everyone so I did not hand those out. I will say what i've had to take to the prisons. North

Then a lady came forward and said she needed prayer as she'd been married for a number of years and not been able to have children. They put a mat down on the floor and she knelt and then some other women came forward and knelt including a young girl. The pastors and myself all gather ground and prayed over the women and girl. Then a man came forward and said that they needed to take a collection to pay for the surgery that the little girl needed. People openly gave so that she could have a hernia operation.

I'm not quite sure that those of you at home would handle having a church service that went from 10 in the morning to almost 3 in the afternoon! We were invited to stay for an all church dinner but because there is still some work to get done on the van and all the packing to get done for our departure in the morning we knew we had to leave and get started.

The guys left me off at the hotel and then took off for town with Alfred making he and Aaron a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. I am positive they both would have enjoyed the local foods at the church dinner much more but there just was not time.

After they left me off I began finishing up the packing that I needed to do and emptying everything out of my side room and closet putting everything that we would not use on the trip to Tanzania in the storeroom. It's nice that the lady that owns the hotel allows us to keep that storeroom for our extra things which we will use for the last prison visits we will do here in Uganda after we return from Tanzania.

It is 6:30 and I am finished with all my work but the guys are not back yet. Listing to old time gospel music on my computer made the work go quickly. 

Tomorrow morning we leave at 7am which means we get up about 6. Alfred's friends that own the restaurant where we ate the other night insisted that when we go by their place, in the morning, we must stop as they will have breakfast ready for us. If the traffic is bad and delays us getting they we can take the breakfast with us but if we are not delayed we can eat in the restaurant. Such kindness from them.

Please pray for:

• The salvation's of the prisoners 
• A fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit for the team
• Travel safety over the next month as we will cover lots of long rough roads
• Jesus's healing hand upon my back and right hip

Thanks for taking the time to pray and comment on my posts. It is an encouragement to us.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, as you are eating turkey and pumpkin pie, I will be sharing the Gospel in two prisons. 

Than none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 23 - Mud was everywhere

Ministry Partners,

Just so you know, because fb took down my ........ post I will be careful of the title of each post and of the photo I use.

Another rainy night and more rain this morning. The storm last night was so violent that it kept setting off the van alarm.

Alfred did not get home until 10:30, he spent 7 hours at the shop. They had to repair the silencer on the exhaust and the injector nozzles. The exhaust was damaged by the rough roads we have been on. Alfred talked them down from $800 to $200. The company we rent from picked up $600, Praise Jesus!!! 

I was awake early before breakfast so I packed most of our supplies into the van and then met the guys for breakfast. We were off to the first prison by 8:45 but discovered when we got there at 10:45 that they were not ready for us and they asked us to return in the afternoon when more prisoners would be there. So, off we went for a 45 minute drive to the second prison. The drive was so muddy and steep that the guys both said it was a good thing that we had a 4-wheel drive as a regular vehicle would never have made it.

That prison had a small room for the prisoners and us so we did not have to be in the rain. When we finished the woman guard said she appreciated my preaching and it was not just for the prisoners but also for the staff. They had brought in two women so I was able to give each of them a donated scarf.

Then we returned to the original prison we were scheduled to visit. We had a bit of a delay getting in and when we did I happened to touch a wall......it had gold colored wet paint which had no sign. I had put my hand up to steady myself and got paint all over me. They gave me a piece of a soap bar and I went outside to try and wash it off. It was like no paint I have ever seen. Even though I had just touched it, it did not want to come off and as I was leaving my long black jacket touched the wall as we walked out though the narrow space. I again took the soap and went outside where a woman prisoner poured some water on my coat as I scrubbed with the soap piece. It would not come out of my black jacket. So, I rubbed hard with the soap, drenched the area with water and waded it up to wash thoroughly when we get back to the hotel.

There were about 125 men there and they brought in 8 women and 1 child. When we finished one woman wanted to share her testimony.  She said she had hated herself and had considered committing suicide but now she understood that she did not understand correctly but after hearing me preach she understood her current position in Christ.

When we finished I gave the women a package of 12 panties (they were part of the supplies the Commissioner selected for us to purchase) and the child received one of the crochet caps.

My right hip has returned to being very painful so after standing and preaching two crusades I finally relented and took some prescription medication.

It was a long day filled with prisoners making good choices for their lives. Their faces become so bright as they realized that they had value and by receiving Christ as their Savior they had now been adopted by God and become His child.

After traveling about an hour we stopped at a restaurant owned by a friend of Alfred's and I had my second good meal, a BBQ hamburger with potato wedges, yummy!!! It was so good. The guys had "local foods" and said theirs was also the best they had had. 

When we left the restaurant we were about a hour from our hotel but at least it was not raining.

Tomorrow I preach at a church, the only one this trip.

Please continue to pray for the details of this trip. The Holy Spirit is doing a tremendous work in the hearts of the prisoners.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 22 - Today I needed to do a redo for 21

 

 Ministry Partners,

When I arrived at my room I discovered that flowers adorned my bed, the floor and a bouquet was on the table. I found out later that a young man had done the decorating, how sweet.

As I listened to the rain, off and on as I slept last night, my thoughts went to the prisoners and the red mud that they will deal with when they go about their daily routine. Then there are the street and village vendors that lay down a blanket to display their wares.  They say rain is a blessing and makes the crops grow but it also creates a hardship for many others. 

Alfred ordered breakfast for us last night and requested that it be ready at 8am so we can be loaded up and on the road by 9am. When I walk anywhere here the stones and the paths are so uneven that Alfred holds hands with me which causes us to get a lot of "looks" as people judge that we are lovers. They have no idea that I am his Mom and he is my dear son AND that I am old and might need help.

What a surprise, when we got to the dinning area there was a group of 12 with a 5 yr old child also there along with a Ugandan teen. It was clear to see the group was from another country/religion and did we ever get the "look" from all of them. I realized that a Ugandan girl was sitting with the child at a table alone next to us and not allowed to sit with the family group for breakfast as she was the house helper. When I went to get my tea I overheard one of the woman who was being so unkind and chewing out the young boy that was serving omelettes.

My heart hurt that the house girl was so excluded from being included with the family meal. At one point I got up and walked over to her and opened a conversation by telling her that I noticed she had such a sweet smile. She told me her name was Alice. As we were talking the same unkind lady came up to me and asked if there was a problem. I said no and that I noticed Alice had a sweet smile and I was jut chatting with her. She wanted to know if I lived in Uganda and I said , "No, I am from America, I'm here with my son and Pastor Aaron, we are telling people about Jesus and how much Jesus loves them." As I turned to go back to my table I looked her in the eyes and said, "Jesus loves you very much.' Alfred said later that when I first got up and went to chat with Alice that every member of the family watched me.

 After I finished eating I went to the serving table and asked for the young man who was making omelettes but was informed that he had left. I told the other 4 staff, that were there, that all of them did such a wonderful job serving us and would they please tell that the young man that I had noticed what a very good job he was doing.

It was about an hour drive to the prison of 350 men plus some women. It had really rained here too so I was glad that we were under a cover as the ground was so VERY muddy. The crusade found prisoners making good choices for salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. So many were set free today and Aaron and Alfred did such a wonderful job translating for me.

When we finished I asked how many women were actually there as only a few came. I was told 25 and I remembered I had gifts for women in the van so Alfred and I went to the van and I pulled out the bag of simple backpacks and counted........there were exactly 25! Alfred and I went back into the prison to give the women their gift but he was not holding my hand and as I stepped on a very muddy slick spot, down I went. I fell hard on my right hip side, the one I have been having so much pain in. Some prisoners came and wanted to help me up but Alfred told them to give me a minute then he stood near my feet, gave me his hands and helped me get up. There was a water spicket nearby so Alfred walked me there to rinse off my feet and shoes. As I was doing that a prisoner came and grabbed my foot/shoe and said, "Let me grab this blessing." He put his hands on one shoe and then the other, scrubbing the sides and soles with his hands. I thanked him and then went to the women to give them their backpack gifts. As I turned to leave I asked for the prisoner who had cleaned my shoes and when he identified himself I asked if I could hug him, He smiled broadly saying , yes. After giving him a hug Alfred and I walked to the van, I was holding very tightly to his hand this time.

We only had one prison to do today and then we took the long drive back to Kampala. At one point I noticed that there were a number of roadside stands selling glass bottles of different sizes filled with clear liquid just waiting to be sold. Alfred and Aaron had quite a discussion about what the liquid was so Aaron pulled over and asked at one stand. Imagine m surprise to find out that it was what , in America, we would call M...shine! Even Aaron was surprised that they were selling it out in the open.

REMOVED PHOTO due to fb removing original

It is hard to believe that we have now completed 15 crusades. As we left town we stopped for gas and Alfred bought treats for everyone along with cappuccinos for he and Aaron. 

Traveling with Alfred and Aaron is so much fun as they put on gospel music and sing along. They are always teasing each other and once in awhile me . Aaron smiles broadly as he says he is son #2 and he is an excellent driver just like Alfred so I always feel very safe.

I am so happy to be back in Kampala and at the house we rent with my very good bed/mattress as the one at or last hotel was awful, with a huge sunken hole in the middle which killed my back/hip. Alfred and Aaron said theirs were the same way. After the first night I came up with a plan. I pulled all the covers down to the bottom of the bad and slept across the end of the bed where it was a bit more firm. Everyone agreed that if we are ever in that area again we will not stay there. 

Tomorrow is sorting, repacking and REST!!! or so I have been told.

Thank you for your prayers,

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 22 - A truck for ladies to travel in

 

Ministry Partners,

Rain, rain and more rain! It rained all night and continued into this morning.

It was wonderful to be able to rest on good mattress last night but when I awoke, I found we had no power and it appears, as I look out my window, that there is no power in this area. I am thankful for the large window in my room but some of the other rooms have no windows and are dark and because it is so overcast outside, there is no sunshine to come through that window. Not sure, I have ever written about it but when it gets dark or overcast in Africa, it is DARK for sure.

Today is the one day I had to sort all our supplies and prepare things for storage, deciding what stays here and what goes to Tanzania with us in a few days. The rest of the days between now and then are filled with prison crusades and a church service, until 3-4pm that day.

As I went through some photos from yesterday this photo reminded me of just one of the very different things they do here than we do in the America since many here do not have a personal car. 

When I saw this truck yesterday it was "loaded" with women in their fancy Ugandan dresses. It was evident that they were traveling out of town for a very fancy meeting or party. A number or years ago they traveled in such a manner to a church service I was holding.

Alfred ordered breakfast for us at 8am so we will see what the staff here has to say about the electricity being out. There have been times when the house has lost power and they just had to purchase more for us. So unlike America, where we use power and then get a bill, here you buy a certain amount of power and then use it until it is depleted. We were told that then person with the phone code to order electricity had misused the code so the owner reset the cope and fired that employee so the new person did not have that code and could not order more electricity when it went out late last night about 11pm. They came promptly purchased more electricity for us.

Pastor Aaron had no duties today so he went to see his wife and children who live locally. He has been away working in Rwanda.

After breakfast, Alfred headed to town to do some final IRM banking and other errands like having the parking brake adjusted. Aaron discovered that it was not holding yesterday. We need to have the van in the best shape possible to take into Tanzania.

The two house keepers came while was sorting supplies to clean and make beds for us. They clean the tile floors EVEY DAY and keep our place so very nice. I cannot imagine mopping all these tile floors every day. I am so very thankful for them.

It was 4 pm when I finally finished sorting and putting things into old suitcases to be stored in the storeroom here. When we return from Tanzania, they will be moved to Alfred’s place in a locked room. He currently has it rented for a school.

Well, that is pretty much all for today. If Alfred come in with big news I will add it to tomorrow's blog.

We visit 2 prisons tomorrow, please pray for the prisoners to have open hearts for the Gospel and for the team to have a fresh anointing from the Holy Spirit.

That none would be lost,

Arlene
 

 

Nov. 21 - Moonshine!

 Ministry Partners,

When I arrived at my room I discovered that flowers adorned my bed, the floor and a bouquet was on the table. I found out later that a young man had done the decorating, how sweet.

As I listened to the rain, off and on as I slept last night, my thoughts went to the prisoners and the red mud that they will deal with when they go about their daily routine. Then there are the street and village vendors that lay down a blanket to display their wares.  They say rain is a blessing and makes the crops grow but it also creates a hardship for many others. 

Alfred ordered breakfast for us last night and requested that it be ready at 8am so we can be loaded up and on the road by 9am. When I walk anywhere here the stones and the paths are so uneven that Alfred holds hands with me which causes us to get a lot of "looks" as people judge that we are lovers. They have no idea that I am his Mom and he is my dear son AND that I am old and might need help.

What a surprise, when we got to the dinning area there was a group of 12 with a 5 yr old child also there along with a Ugandan teen. It was clear to see the group was from another country/religion and did we ever get the "look" from all of them. I realized that a Ugandan girl was sitting with the child at a table alone next to us and not allowed to sit with the family group for breakfast as she was the house helper. When I went to get my tea I overheard one of the woman who was being so unkind and chewing out the young boy that was serving omelettes.

My heart hurt that the house girl was so excluded from being included with the family meal. At one point I got up and walked over to her and opened a conversation by telling her that I noticed she had such a sweet smile. She told me her name was Alice. As we were talking the same unkind lady came up to me and asked if there was a problem. I said no and that I noticed Alice had a sweet smile and I was jut chatting with her. She wanted to know if I lived in Uganda and I said , "No, I am from America, I'm here with my son and Pastor Aaron, we are telling people about Jesus and how much Jesus loves them." As I turned to go back to my table I looked her in the eyes and said, "Jesus loves you very much.' Alfred said later that when I first got up and went to chat with Alice that every member of the family watched me.

 After I finished eating I went to the serving table and asked for the young man who was making omelettes but was informed that he had left. I told the other 4 staff, that were there, that all of them did such a wonderful job serving us and would they please tell that the young man that I had noticed what a very good job he was doing.

It was about an hour drive to the prison of 350 men plus some women. It had really rained here too so I was glad that we were under a cover as the ground was so VERY muddy. The crusade found prisoners making good choices for salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. So many were set free today and Aaron and Alfred did such a wonderful job translating for me.

When we finished I asked how many women were actually there as only a few came. I was told 25 and I remembered I had gifts for women in the van so Alfred and I went to the van and I pulled out the bag of simple backpacks and counted........there were exactly 25! Alfred and I went back into the prison to give the women their gift but he was not holding my hand and as I stepped on a very muddy slick spot, down I went. I fell hard on my right hip side, the one I have been having so much pain in. Some prisoners came and wanted to help me up but Alfred told them to give me a minute then he stood near my feet, gave me his hands and helped me get up. There was a water spicket nearby so Alfred walked me there to rinse off my feet and shoes. As I was doing that a prisoner came and grabbed my foot/shoe and said, "Let me grab this blessing." He put his hands on one shoe and then the other, scrubbing the sides and soles with his hands. I thanked him and then went to the women to give them their backpack gifts. As I turned to leave I asked for the prisoner who had cleaned my shoes and when he identified himself I asked if I could hug him, He smiled broadly saying , yes. After giving him a hug Alfred and I walked to the van, I was holding very tightly to his hand this time.

We only had one prison to do today and then we took the long drive back to Kampala. At one point I noticed that there were a number of roadside stands selling glass bottles of different sizes filled with clear liquid just waiting to be sold. Alfred and Aaron had quite a discussion about what the liquid was so Aaron pulled over and asked at one stand. Imagine m surprise to find out that it was what , in America, we would call Moonshine! Even Aaron was surprised that they were selling it out in the open.

Moonshine!

It is hard to believe that we have now completed 15 crusades. As we left town we stopped for gas and Alfred bought treats for everyone along with cappuccinos for he and Aaron. 

Traveling with Alfred and Aaron is so much fun as they put on gospel music and sing along. They are always teasing each other and once in awhile me . Aaron smiles broadly as he says he is son #2 and he is an excellent driver just like Alfred so I always feel very safe.

I am so happy to be back in Kampala and at the house we rent with my very good bed/mattress as the one at or last hotel was awful, with a huge sunken hole in the middle which killed my back/hip. Alfred and Aaron said theirs were the same way. After the first night I came up with a plan. I pulled all the covers down to the bottom of the bad and slept across the end of the bed where it was a bit more firm. Everyone agreed that if we are ever in that area again we will not stay there. 

Tomorrow is sorting, repacking and REST!!! or so I have been told.

Thank you for your prayers,

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 20 - From 1 large prison to 1 small prison

 

Ministry Partners, 

We are staying close to Lake Victoria so the humidity here is very high. I hung my dress, for today, up last night and when I went to put it on this morning it was wet. I put it on anyway knowing it would dry quickly. Even the seat belts in the van were wet.

We went for breakfast today at 7:45 ordered and waited until almost 8:45 to get our food. The guys had a full breakfast with Spanish omelettes (scrambled eggs with a bit of red and green peppers), juice, fruit plate, sausages, potatoes w/ onions and coffee or African tea. I had pineapple, sausage, toast and plain tea. I am thankful the breakfasts are comped.

Then we were off to two prisons, one large with 1,450 prisoners and the other one with only 22 prisoners. There are times when Jesus reminds me that he left the 99 to search for 1 so I am happy to do a small prison. They are the ones who tell us, "Thank you for coming, no one has ever come before to tell us Jesus loves us.

The large prison was a challenge as the prisoners were so spread out. The were in front of me, the right side of me, the left side of me and even some behind me. I had the shade of a tree and some of the prisoners also sat under trees but some just sat in the sun. Today was a very good day and so many powerful, good decisions were made by the inmates.

As we left to go to the second prison, a distance away, it began to rain. I was thankful the prison had a tiny covered porch for the prisoners and the IRM team could squeeze under along with both a man and woman guard. With an area so small I could watch the faces and eyes of the prisoners. Because the area was so small they had me sit in a chair for most of the crusade, my first time EVER! I am always pleased when the officers make decisions for salvation, forgiveness and apologize just like the inmates. Today, one officer was the first to apologize to a couple of the prisoners.

We say, stay left unless passing. Here they say, keep left unless overtaking!

 By the time the crusade ended, the rain had stopped and we were quickly on our way to our hotel after taking photos with the O.C. and two guards for our report to the Commissioner at the end of our trip.

The drive to our hotel was interesting. There was a downpour of rain, then dry ground, then another downpour, then dry ground. 

After dinner I wanted to go to bed yet I needed to get this blog written but now it is off to bed.

Please continue to pray for the prisoners and for our team.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 19 - It is true, God has given me a special love for both men and women prisoners

 

Ministry Partners,

It was such a beautiful, cool morning today but the day would contain a lot of heat and then some rain.

We went for breakfast at ten to eight but had to wait until after eight to order and the waited 30 minutes for our order to come at eight forty-five. It meant that we would have to eat quickly to leave for the prisons at nine which we ended up not being able to do until 9:15. 

It was a short drive to the prison and we drove across an interesting bridge over the Nile River. This is the area where Lake Victoria meets the Nile.

Today we started with the large men's prison followed by the nearby women's prison.

The young and very nice Deputy O.C. welcomed and stayed through the whole crusade and it was wonderful to see him also stand and pray asking Jesus to be his Savior. This really was a massive prison, once you get inside you see that it is three stories high inside. The common area in the center was filled with prisoners. And we could see on the other levels prisoners watching us and also listening to the crusade. It was wonderful that they had a powerful sound system so we did not have to use ours, we just used our microphones plugged into their system. I just never get tired of looking into the faces of inmates and then watching them be transformed from their hopeless, dead look into a face that is smiling and eyes that are bright. over 1500 responded to all three of the invitations.

When we ask for testimonies, one man came forward that said he had seen me at another prison and the message I shared then changed his life. Everyone applauded as I tell them that because I an 80 years old, I am mama to everyone. Then I gave him a mama hug and gave the remaining inmates that same hug following their testimonies, while applause followed each one. It is true, God has given me a special love for both men and women prisoners and they feel comfortable calling me Mama. 

When we finished the Deputy O.C. told me he could not believe that I stood and preached for that whole time while Alfred and Aaron took turns. We all laughed at that.

Over at the women's prison we were greeted by an O.C. dressed in a bright pink long skirt and top. She looked beautiful. Everything was set up outside under a large tree as we waited for them to finish eating but as they finished it began to rain. Plans changed as they ushered us into a very small room but we made it work with some on the women sitting on the floor all scooted together, some on benches and the remaining few peered at us from the hallway. Goodness, the tears that flowed as the women forgave someone else or themselves. During testimony time one inmates stated that she never thought Jesus could/would forgive ALL her sins, only some. But today she realized that from my teaching He would forgive all her sins.

We we finished we gave them the underpants, our remaining purchase that we had procured from the Commissioner. The I distributed the crochet caps to the pregnant mothers and then the rest of the 18 children.

When we finished I asked the women if the would pray for me as the terrible pain in my back and hip had returned. The guys and I are convinced it is a demonic attach. I am thankful God has the victory in all we are doing here.

On the was home we stopped to eat a very early dinner. Since it is hard for me to find something to eat, I choose pizza with extra cheese and I saved some for tomorrow's lunch. Alfred purchased he and Aaron cappuccino's but since I cannot drink coffee I received a special bag of cookies.

As I sit on my bed writing this blog I can hear the gentle rain outside. There will red mud everywhere tomorrow.

That none would be lost,

Arlene