Dec. 4 - I preached in the rain today

Ministry Partners, 

What an amazing thing to wake up in Tanzania today and look forward to the first prison visit. The second prison we were to do has not confirmed so hopefully they will for tomorrow since we only had one scheduled for that day. 

Breakfast was buffet but most was not something I could or wanted to eat, like fish head soup! The omelette they made me had bits of carrot in it but it went okay with the two pieces of French toast. I have had trouble finding something hot to drink in the morning as I am allergic to coffee, which I love. The tea in Uganda seemed to be a bit bitter this year but the tea here in Tanzania is absolutely wonderful and not one bit bitter, even when I make it strong. I read day four from the Advent devotional book that I received from my home church.

Just how much can you carry on your head?

After breakfast Rev. Morris came to go with us, he is very tall and as thin as a pencil. We were informed that earlier this year his wife died of cancer leaving him as the sole parent of six children. He does not speak English so I am thankful for Bishop Daudi, Aaron and Alfred that can interpret for me.

I gave each of the Tanzanian pastors a nametag and a new tie, explaining that in the very beginning of prison ministry, Alfred was the one who said we needed to be professional as a team.

It was an hour and fifteen minutes to get to the prison and even the outside appearance was quite different from prisons in Uganda. We were greeted by the O.C. (actually I will have to find out what they call the head prison authority here) who seemed very welcoming.

The prisoners, some in street clothes and some in orange prison wear were sitting under a large tree and we were also under the edge of the tree. Before we could start, it began to rain but unlike Uganda where they would immediately have put the prisoners back in their cell rooms, the prisoners just stayed put. And I thought, if they can listen in the rain and not leave I can preach in the rain. It seems there is a first time for everything.

It was a small prison but all the prisoners responded to the three invitations, 1. for salvation, 2. for forgiveness and 3. for apologizing. I was thankful that someone from the prison administration brought an umbrella to cover the stand that holds my teaching materials and bible. The work of the Holy Spirit was so evident today.

We left the "gifts" for the prisoners that IRM was required to purchase: soap, Vaseline and razor blades so the administration could cut their hair. We also left 25 Discipleship Booklets.

Then we drove back to our hotel and I made PP&J sandwiches for everyone explaining that we started doing that because there was not time to stop and have a sit down meal when we do two prisons a day. The Tanzanian pastors liked the sugar-free water flavors or their water and   there were cookies for desert.

The pastors agree that I need to write a book about my life and where God has me today. I cannot tell you how many times I am told that. It is something I am considering.

Before the guys left, after lunch, to purchase what we will need to take to the prisons tomorrow. Alfred came to my room and said he had a request from Rev. Morris, who has a small little church in this town that is meeting tonight. He wondered if I would be willing to share the same message with them that I shared at the prison this morning. Well, just how to say no to an opportunity to share the Gospel. Of course I said yes. So at 5pm we were off to his church.  

I shared the same message that I did at the prison to the 20 or so adult women and children. Most made decisions in all three invitations. I am using throat loungers and drinking hot tea as my throat is sore and I am still coughing from the sinus drainage from the cold I started four days ago. I have been taking cold meds, that I brought with me. I would appreciate your prayers as I have two prison crusades tomorrow.

The roads were so bad to his church that we had to use 4-wheel drive. The general IRM rule is that we do not travel at night but it was dark when we left the church and Alfred had trouble getting the gear out of 4-wheel drive. So the dropped me at the hotel and headed for the garage.

Time for me to go to bed.

Please continue to pray for the prisoners and for the IRM team.

That none would be lost,

Arlene