Dec. 20 - She forgave her husband even though he was dead

 

Ministry Partners,

Although I did not need to get up until 7am for breakfast at 8, I woke up before 3am and started violent coughing from my chest. Years ago, this also happened to me when I was here and when I returned to America the Dr. said I got it from something in the dirt-filled air here in Africa and he put me on steroids for a while. Not much coughing during the day but at night it just will not let you get a good night’s sleep.

I was so not hungry when I went in for breakfast that I only had tea. Then at 9 we were off to the women’s prison where 37 attended, sitting on their mats under the shade of a tree. Because they were sitting in a V around the tree I did not have many options and I did not want to stand on the opposite side of the tree and it block my view of some of them or their view of me. I walked around the tree, removed my shoes, like they do, and stood on the mat in front of them. One of the prisoners gave me her flip-flops but I told them that as a young girl I loved going barefoot, so I was fine.

I took some work but I preached 180 degrees, alternating from my right to my left. The women and guards made 3 good choices today for their lives, salvation, forgiving and apologizing. But testimony time was difficult for not only the three who decided to share as they cried and the other prisoners who were listening also cried. One inmate shared how her husband was a drunkard and would come home and beat her. She said he died of cancer and she did not go to his funeral but today because of our rope teaching on forgiveness she knew she needed to forgive him even though he was dead and her heart now felt free.  

Another inmate shared and as I hugged her when she finished she hung onto me and cried on my shoulder. After I share my testimony while teaching, the women feel safe sharing theirs because they know I understand. The transformation on their faces and in their eyes when our time is over is something I just do not have adequate words for but it is so powerful for the team to watch.

We have absolutely NO doubt that the Holy Spirit has equipped us with just the right messages and object lessons to convey the Gospel, Discipleship, Forgiveness and Apology for our crusades.

We see beef, pork, chicken, goat and fish shops like this, open to the heat and dirt, everywhere when we are driving.

When we returned to the hotel, I ate the breakfast items I missed this morning while the guys ran some errands. The rest of the afternoon was filled with sorting and packing up things to go with us and things to be stored.

Alfred and Aaron got stuck in traffic on the way home but finally arrived after dark.

That's it for this day.

For the next 5 days we will be traveling and doing prison crusades. Please continue to pray for the prisoners, prison staff and us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 19 - I preached in the rain again today

 

Ministry Partners,

I was awakened about 6 this morning with the sweeping sounds from a Ugandan broom sweeping up leaves from out front parking area by the yard maintenance man. 

The replacement cost and labor for these damaged parts was $1,500

Because I ordered a minced meat/hamburger pizza (the only other choice was chicken or goat) with extra sauce and extra cheese and Aaron ordered spaghetti bolognese also made with minced meat they were unable to make us Samosas for breakfast. They brought crepes, which they call pancakes and French toast, African tea, pineapple and bananas. The team is always thankful for the PP&J that we carry with us, that way we can always get some protein. I stacked the 2 crepes and spread peanut butter and jelly on top and then added the banana. When I rolled it up like a jellyroll, it was ready to eat. Yummm

After breakfast, we decided to travel the short distance to a prison that I visited many years ago.

We did not have gov. authorization for this prison but Alfred met with the O.C. and showed him the approval letter from the gov. that gave us permission to visit other prisons. After some discussion, he gave us permission to hold our crusade. It is a thrilling thing to watch God open these kinds of doors for us. In addition, not only open doors but the O.C. also said he would delay his staff meeting until we finished. Only the Holy Spirit could cause us to find such favor with this O.C..

The 790 prisoners sat under a very wide, narrow overhang from the roof while most of the 15 guards sat in an open front building that was just to my left where food was being prepared. Aaron and I stood in the dirt/mud/rocky area in front of the prisoners and as the drizzle continued, I was so happy I had braided my hair this morning. Yes, I preached in the rain again and was blessed to watch 100’s choose to receive Christ as their Savior, forgive and apologize.

Alfred had taken an officer with him to purchase the $200 worth of supplies we were required to purchase for the men and women inmates. He purchased soap, toilet tissue, Vaseline and for the women, he added feminine hygiene products. Since this was not a previously approved prison, we had not sent Pastor Peace here with the required supplies.  

When Alfred returned, he brought a young man with him called Dan who is interested in the work IRM does.

After we finished we met with the O.C. who invited us to come back tomorrow morning to hold a crusade for the women prisoners…… another open door.

After we arrived, back at the hotel Aaron took the van to be serviced. I was happy that they are doing the service for free ($350) since I had to pay $1,500 yesterday to replace the gearbox and a rod (I don't know anything about cars but that's what I was told the damaged parts were) that had been damaged by the VERY rough roads we have been driving on since we have been here.  

Alfred’s wife is from Uganda and her family is in the area so she arrived a couple of days ago with two of their younger children to celebrate Christmas. Alfred was missing his 3 year old son so he went and picked him up to stay overnight. I was special to meet my youngest grandchild for the first time.

Tomorrow is the last day we well be able to enjoy our residence as Sat. morning we leave to start doing our last prison crusades but we will return here on the 26th.. We are ending the crusades on Christmas day with two in out last prison, one for men and one for women.

Thank you for your partnership in what God has called us together to do here. We appreciate each one of you.

That is all for today.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 18 - I can't believe I have only 12 more days here

  

Ministry Partners,

It was a beautiful morning in Kampala this morning but it was evident that it was going to be very hot again today. After a breakfast of Chapatti – Egg roll-ups and tea or African tea (milk, tea & spices) for breakfast Alfred and Aaron went into to town to the shop to have the van completely checked out since we will soon head out again for the remainder of our prison crusades. There is an issue with the van 4-wheel drive and we will probably need it as we have in the past. Bad village roads and lots of rain make needing a 4-wheel drive a necessity.

I can't believe I have only 12 more days here before returning to the states. It will be very hard for me to say goodby to Alfred and Aaron and the work God has called us to do here.

A village woman receives a scarf, tract and hug

This morning I was reminded of John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

It has been written, “The dangers of all dangers, for missionaries, would be to lose trust and confidence in the mercy of God. To distrust him would be a far more terrible thing than any physical evil which all the enemies of God put together could inflect on us, for without God’s permission neither the devils nor their human ministers could hinder us in the slightest degree.”

God designed each crisis on this trip to bring me to a place where I would look to him for help and then each crisis allowed God to deliver me to a place where only He could help me.

I became strong in Christ’s strength and in THAT strength there was a vulnerability that the enemy could not touch. God was all I had many times and I knew He was all I needed.

If you had asked me before this trip if I could stand and preach 3 crusades for 6 hours in one day followed by doing two crusades (4hrs.) the next day when I did not feel well and then do it again! I would have answered you that if God opens the door and gives me the opportunity I know I can trust him to provide for me and give me everything I need. I have seen him do just that since He saved me in 1964 and on all of my 20 trips to Africa.

I knew, that I knew, that I knew, that although I had no clue what God was doing behind the scenes I knew he was working on my behalf and on behalf of the IRM team which brought peace to my heart and God delivered me into a place where parts of II Corinthians 12:9-10 became so very real for me.  

Parts of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 said:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ……..And then I could say with the Apostle Paul……”For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

It was actually restful as I sorted supplies and listened to my favorite music which is old time southern gospel music on YouTube on my computer. I am thankful that the owner of this guesthouse provides good internet.

Pastor Aaron is not feeling well so he is going to try to get some medicine today. Please pray for him.

I met a new housekeeper today, she came with Harriet, and her name is Aleen. I had a nice chat with her and was so pleased to find out that she had asked Jesus to be her Savior five years ago. They do such a good job of cleaning everything and the tile floors throughout are always sparkling.

The guys are still at the shop but I will end today's blog and rinse out some cloths.

Your prayers and comments are so appreciated. Thank you.

That none would be lost,

Arlene