Nov. 13 - Our first two prison crusades were today

 

Ministry Partners,

Prison Ministry officially began today. It was a short drive but traffic was heavy as we drove to two prisons, Kampala Remand followed by Luzera Women.

 We are still waiting for Pastor Aaron to arrive but for the next few days it will be Alfred and me.

                                            Alfred & Arlene's first day of 2024 Prison Ministry

 It was clear the Kampala Remand was not ready for us as we had to wait 30 - 45 min before we were allowed to enter to speak to the 750 inmates out of 1950 that came to hear us. The general population was not encouraged to come so I was grateful the Holy Spirit laid it on the hearts of the 750 to come. I had the opportunity to shake the hand of a few prisoners as Alfred was setting up.

They listened so intently and it was a joy to see almost all of them make the choice to receive Jesus as their Savior and then make the choice to forgive someone else or themselves. The the joy and laughter that followed them apologizing to each made even the officer smile  and shake her head. They realize that those choices will change the way the prison runs. Three men gave powerful testimonies of what the Holy spirit had done in their heart in our time together.

Then we drove the short distance to Luzera Women where again we found them not ready for us as we waited almost an hour. Finally a very nice officer took us to a covered tent where a few women were gathered. Outside the large tent a number of women were weaving baskets. I told them how beautiful their work was but a second officer came over to me and said the women did not understand English but wanted to know what I said. She translated when I said their work was beautiful to which they all smiled broadly and clapped their hand.

We started to set up for the 40 or so women and then ended up outside trying to decide to hold the crusade or try and come another day when the officer who was with us promised to have more women gathered. The officer finally told us to start as she disappeared to start rounding up women prisoners, She did a great job as quickly the tent filled to overflowing. There were775 of the total 820 residents there

I had great time with the women who quickly accepted me and listened so intently. They too made decisions for salvation, forgiveness before a downpour came. As they shook hands and apologized to each other the smile and laughter took some time to subside. I looked at the office with us and she was smiling from ear as she nodded in approval of what she was seeing.

Then the ladies started praying, some down on their knees, some still setting and many crying, they continued for 15 min.. 

The Holy Spirit did a powerful work in both prisons today despite the delays, heat and rain.

Please continue to pray that the prisoners would have soft, open hearts for the Gospel. 

As we walked to the van with the woman officer who had been with us she had 6 women carry all our things, including the heavy sound system. Alfred asked he if we might give the women a bible for helping us and she said yes. The women all knelt down as we gave them a bible and as the stood to leave I gave each a hug and blessed them.

There was another woman pastor there who thanked me and said I had also spoken into her heart. She stated how important my testimony was for not only prisoners but for churches also.

I tell you I am blessed to be here. Thanks for sending me.

 I am still having a bit of an issue with my right hip/sciatica and would appreciate your prayers.

I have two more prisons scheduled for tomorrow.

That none would be lost,

Arlene