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