Dec. 1 - Anyone for a grasshopper snack?

 Ministry Partners,

I'm so thankful that the celebrating outside my room died down about 10 and the rest of the night was quiet. 

As soon as I woke up I could hear the young man outside one of my bedroom windows scrubbing the floor with soapy water and a long handled brush. Often in Rwanda they did it with just a cloth and watching them made my back hurt.

Although breakfast was at 8:30 I did not have to get dressed up until later since our two prison visits today until after breakfast since the first prison is scheduled for 12 noon and the second one is for 3pm.

Advent begins today and I brought a daily reading booklet from my church so I will read the introduction at breakfast and then the team will take turns reading every day. I am thankful for the reminder of Christ's birth as it does not seem like Christmas here. I read the introduction while waiting for breakfast and Alfred read Day1.

As we were outside eating breakfast a local woman appeared for some time saying "Mzungu, Mzungu " but she was chased away by the hotel staff but quickly returned then she was given money by the hotel staff. It appeared that she comes often as the staff seemed to know her. 

Then it was off to the first prison but after they received Christ as Savior it began to rain. As we waited to get then under a porch cover I saw two young girls a few feet away with one of the guards. I grabbed two caps and went over to the although they were busy working. As I stood next to them I realized what they were doing. They were removing the wings and legs off of grasshoppers, getting them ready for preparing them to be sold a snacks. I think they are deep fried but I am not sure. You can't imagine how long it takes, how many it takes to fill a bucket.

                                                          Anyone for a grasshopper snack?

Finally we were able to finish with the discipleship portion, the forgiveness portion and the apology portion of the crusade. How pleased I am when I can actually see a brightness to their eyes and a smile on their faces. Having Jesus as their Savior always brings a positive look to their faces. I was able to give the two women prisoners there a Bible and Discipleship Booklet.

Then it was off to the second prison and I prayed the God would hold back the rain so we could finish this 30th Ugandan prison before crossing the boarder tomorrow into Tanzania. After we finish in Tanzania we will then finish the remaining 7 prisons in Uganda.

This second prison was a larger one and although it was cold and I felt a random drop of rain we were able to complete the crusade without having to move the prisoners from under the giant tree. Once again we were able to hear/see the prisoners respond to each of the three invitations. When we asked for testimonies, one of the prisoners who came forward said he had been planning revenge to kill but today he asked Jesus to be his Savior although he had always been a Mus.... He had a powerful testimony that I will share later and even though we did not have enough bibles for everyone, the officer then approved for me to give this prisoner a Bible and Discipleship Booklet.

Even though I continue to struggle with some health issues that we are all positive are Demonic attacks, God always has the victory and enable me to continue sharing His Gospel. God has the victory in everything we do!!!

It was almost a hour drive back to our hotel where we had dinner. After posting this blog I will bathe and go to bed although the loud voices outside tell me that they are enjoying the soccer match.

Tomorrow we head to Tanzania.

That none would be lost,

Arlene