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