Dec. 25 - He came to prison just so Jesus could save him.

 

Ministry Partners,

Happy Birthday Jesus

Today I woke very early to a cool morning and after having breakfast, we headed out to our first prison of the day, which was only 15 minutes away.

The prison held 550 and they were quickly assembled under a tree but the tree only covered some of them so the rest were in the sun. We could see prisoners polishing the shoes of the officers and at some prisons as we wait to start the crusade we watch new inmates being brought in, in handcuffs.

There was a huge rock in the center of the inmates and two prisoners were seated on it. However, they were blocking the prisoners behind them from seeing us so I asked them to get down which they quickly did. The prisoners behind them offered a smile and a nod indicating they could finally see the team well.

Sharing the Gospel, what a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of the Savior. And as we watch/hear then respond to the salvation invitation we feel privileged to be here. Alfred, Aaron and I talked at breakfast, about what an honor it is for us to be doing what we are doing. They appreciate, as do I how much you have sacrificed to send us here. May God richly bless each one of you.

Prisoners here have been told that they cannot make good choices but today these inmates, like those at other prisons, made three good choices, salvation, forgiveness and apologizing.

As we were leaving a woman guard, who had sat through the entire crusade, came and asked if she could talk to me. As we walked away from the team, she shared how her husband beat her that they had three children and although she put him through school, he left her and married one of the students. She shared how the lesson on forgiveness challenged her and after chatting a bit with her I prayed for her.

Then we were off on a short drive to our last prison and I had a hard time knowing that this really was my last prison crusade for this trip. I really do not have adequate words to tell you what a love God has given me for these, the least of them, men and women prisoners.

‘When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matt. 25:39-40 NIV

The O.C. greeted us and quickly assembled the 102 men prisoners in the open under a partial overcast sky in front of me and 8 women were a bit separated and to my right. But interpreting was going to be a real challenge for both Alfred and Aaron. Alfred would translate first and then Aaron would translate in Swahili. And I would have to be careful and wait for Aaron to finish. I usually start to speak as the interpreter is just finishing but now I had to wait for the second interpreter to finish. At one point, the guys got confused and started laughing and I was trying to figure out who then I was to follow. Even the O.C. started laughing. But the inmates followed right along with the message as they responded to every invitation.

At testimony time, one inmate said he came to prison just so Jesus could save him.

Then we were finished and I was thankful that I did not cry in front of the prisoners.

Our drive back to Kampala took three hours but along the way we stopped so Alfred could purchase some mangos, bananas and pineapples to take back to our hotel.

We have stayed in some not so nice places so I am doubly grateful for a nice firm bed and hot water to bathe.

WE have lots to do to finalize the trip so please continue to pray for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene