Dec. 6 - Baboons everywhere

 

Ministry Partners,

What a day this has been.

Breakfast was at 7 and again it included fish stew if you wanted it, I chose to pass. 

Every day we see God's provision and protection of us. We were following a semi truck going up a hill when a right side tire, rim and all, came off. Evidently whoever put the tire on did not tighten the lug nuts enough. hen it came off it went straight down the hill in our oncoming lane, toward us. It rolled so straight down the hill continuing past us, like God had drawn a line for it to follow. We all thanked Jesus.

We traveled 2 hours to get to the prison and passed through a game reserve but the only animals we was were a number or baboon groups.

When we arrived at the prison we were welcomed to the office of the Deputy O.C. who was wearing sunglasses. Alfred was not sure if he had eye problems or Aaron said perhaps he was just arrogant. There were 330 of the 350 men prisoners there in the tiniest of space all squatting down and compressed in a VERY small area, all in the sun.

I guess because we were the first to ever take the Gospel there is why they observed and listened so intently. Watching and hearing all of them respond to the salvation invitation is such a blessing to the team and makes all our work so worth it. But I made a mistake, the tiny area where they gave me to stand was in a corner and did not give me room to be in front and close to all the prisoners so I moved out into the overcast sun area. After about 1 1/2 hours I knew I had to ask for a chair and sit down to finish. I thought because it was overcast that I would be fine. I will be more careful next time.

When we arrived we also found out that there were 21 women in another area. We asked to go speak to them and the deputy said,"yes', I could have 10 Min.!!! I told him that would not work so he offered 20 min.. I was not sure exactly what I would do so I started with the salvation part. I would finish a portion and then ask Alfred, "How much more time do I have and he would say do the next portion. At one point they sent a woman guard into get us but we were involved in the forgiveness portion and she became so interested in what we were teaching that she just stayed until we had also completed the apology teaching and exercise. It is true God opens doors no man can close. We were able  to complete our entire program and watched/heard the women and 2 guards respond to all the invitations. 

When we left the prison we were faced with a 3+ hour drive that rained most of the way, to the next town where we have a prison crusade tomorrow . Again we saw God's protection. There was no oncoming traffic so Alfred started to pass a semi truck but when we got right along side him he decided to move over into our lane. It was slow and deliberate that I think he fell asleep. Alfred is such a good driver, he pulled farther right onto the dirt shoulder and passed. The truck was over half in our lane. Again a resounding "Thank you Jesus" was heard.

As I look in the back seat, both the Bishop and Aaron are sleeping while Alfred drives and I write this blog. I know it will be late when we get to the hotel and I did not want to be up too late getting this done and since the roads here are good and not bumpy I can get most of it done while we drive. 

We finally arrived in the town but finding a place was difficult as most places in this big town were filled. They say Friday and Saturday nights are date night! We finally hired a motor bike guy to take us around and finally found rooms in the 5th place. Actually an apartment type worth a living room and three bedrooms, one for me and two for the guys.

We ordered dinner and I decided to have a cheese beef burger with cheese and a fresh slice of onion but you already know the routine. It came - 2 complete buns with chips of beef, cooked onions and sliced tomatoes sliced, no cheese. I asked the lady about the cheese and she said they did not have any. I wondered why she took my order but said nothing. It's a good thing I did not order pizza with double cheese. Alfred's order was not as expected nor was Aaron's

We were told the was good internet here but Alfred and the owner have worked for some time to finally get it on my computer.

Being the first people to ever take the Gospel into these prisons still amazes me and brings me such joy. The Bishop says it will be that way in EVERY prison we visit. 

It's late and I need to get to bed so this is it for today.Please continue to pray for the prisoners, the team and our safety.

That none would be lost,

Arlene