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