Dec. 10 - Paidha Prison - The Lord goes before you. Duet. 31:8

 Ministry Partners,

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Duet. 31:8

Today although I woke at 6am, I decided to go back to bed and just rest for a bit since we do not need to be at the prison until 2pm but I fell asleep until about 7:30. It was just in time to get ready for a breakfast of tea, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausages, greens and the best pineapple ever, it was really yummy! As we walked back to our rooms, we observed all the staff cleaning the stones in preparation, I suppose, for a meeting in the small conference room. There they were in their bare feet, sloshing large containers of water all around with narrow long handled brushes.

The staff washing the stone courtyard

Having the mornings free allows me to get this blog started so that after the crusade, it does not take as much time to finish it and I can get to bed earlier and that is a good thing but when we do two crusades a day that is not an option. The 15^th of Dec. will be here soon and that begins the best opportunity. The Currently when we are doing only one farm prison a day Alfred asks for a 2pm time as that gives the prisoners time to come in from the fields. However, from Dec.15^th to Jan.15, the prisoners are allowed a break from fieldwork and stay at the prison, available all day, which allows us to do an AM or PM crusade. In addition, during those dates, NO ONE is allowed to visit the prisons; no church groups, no NGO’s and no family ONLY IRM is allowed to enter and have all the time we need for our crusade. Because on other days, we have to compete with them for time. That should tell you how much God has opened doors for us and how much favor we have found with the Ugandan government. Please continue to pray that we would to find favor with them.

The drive to the prison was less than an hour even though we had to drive through some village roadwork. The O.C. was at a meeting but his staff did a good job of welcoming us. The 140 prisoners had mats to sit on in a room that was adequate so they were not scrunched together and I had the opportunity to greet them before the 18 women entered to sit on the right hand side of the room where there was another mat them. I was glad that I had the opportunity to greet some of them before we started.

Today was hard for me as once again they did not speak Luganda of Swahili only Luo. When I heard that one prisoner said he understood English I prayed, “Dear Jesus, regardless to what the translator says, please Holy Spirit cause them to hear what they need to hear to receive Christ as Savior.” The young man tried to follow me but kept stopping me to repeat what I had said. At first, he said I was not talking loud enough and moved to my other side so he could observe my mouth. I do not think of myself having an axcent but the guys assure me that I do. But after the prisoner stopped me a number of times I started speaking in very short sentences but I started to forget each time where I was in my message so I felt I needed to explain to the prisoners why I was having to ask Alfred where I was in the message. I told them about the tumor in my skull and how the radiation had damaged the nerves on top of my brain, my comprehension and memory banks and that by stopping so many times to repeat what I said I then could not remember my next part of the message. Talk about a humbling experience!

But, something really interesting happened when I started to lead them in the prayer of salvation and it happened through the entire prayer. I said, “Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me.” All the prisoners began to repeat the prayer in Luo at the same time the inmate was translating my words in Luo. It was if they understood exactly what I had said with absolutely no translation. When the guys and I talked about it later Aaron said how surprised he was and that it was if they understood my English words. They did the same thing when I led then in the prayer to forgive. PRAISE JESUS the Holy Spirit caused them to hear what they needed to hear today. They boldly responded to each invitation.

When we ended the crusade, I gave the women each a donated scarf and 3 children a crochet cap.

On the way home I saw the most darling little girl alongside the road who would not smile at me but when I gave her a cap she put it to her nose, smelled it followed by a tiny smile that brighter her whole face. As we continued to drive, Alfred spotted a woman carrying a container of bananas on her head so we stopped and bought some. I found a lovely scarf for her accompanied by a tract and as we drove away, I noted she was standing there reading the tract with a man I assumed was her husband.

I have eaten dinner and it is now almost 8pm so it is time for me to bathe and get to bed. Tomorrow is an early morning as we have quite a drive and we do two crusades to do.

Please continue to  pray for the prisoner and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 8 – Nebbi Prison – A prisoner translated for me today

 Ministry Partners,

Today my phone says, “87 Degrees” but Alfred says “95”and with the humidity it feels MUCH hotter and my skin feels sticky. I was more than happy to get in the shower last night although this morning when I tried to turn off the very unusual water faucet I could not get it to shut off and had to have the receptionist come and show me how. Next time I will remember to turn the one handle only ½ way around and the other all the way around.

Last night I was finally able to get fish fillets, as other places have not had them although they are always on the menu. I like them as opposed to a whole fish as I do not have to worry about the much larger amount of bones in a whole tilapia. The potato large wedges were also the best I have had here, the only thing is I think they are prepared in a different oil as they are the same potato but are much cruncher on the outside and do not appear to be cooked longer. However, they gave me enough for two people, I requested ½ potatoes and ½ veggies but received only potatoes.                                                                                

    Fish fillets, lemon & potato wedges

Today was another late breakfast at 8 since we do not need to leave for prison, that is only a short distance  (30 min.) until 2pm as the O.C. wants all prisoners to be in. Our comped breakfast was also generous although not a buffet. Not sure but I think the Spanish Omelet (made with scrambled eggs and a few bits of red and green bell peppers and no cheese) must have been made with at least 4 eggs. It came with juice, fried potatoes, 2 sausages, and a delicious vegetable medley of cabbage, carrot and onions. I ate all the veggies and could only eat about half of the rest so I gave the rest to Alfred

After breakfast, Aaron and I cleaned out the van because it tends to get in a jumble after a few days of travel. We also got a women’s bag ready for today's and tomorrows prisons, 1 with nylon backpacks and crochet caps for the children and the 2^nd one with scarves and more caps. I then caught up on some workbook; I keep saying I need an assistant .

It was a 30 min. drive to the prison and although the O.C. was not there the Deputy O.C. welcomed us and the Social Affairs officer was also there. They had already gathered the men prisoners, some close to where we were, under a big tree and the others some distance away under another tree but the guys asked them if they could hear us with our new sound system and those men responded, “Yes.” It made perfect sense NOT to have them sitting with the other prisoners, as they would be in the hot sun. There was also a tarp to the right of us so the women had a place to sit, also under the shade of our tree.

But, when the guys asked the prisoners if they wanted them to speak in Luganda or Swahili they said, “No, Luo.” Although Alfred and Aaron but understand some Luo, neither of them are fluent in that language. Interesting how God provided for us today as an inmate who also spoke English well stepped forward and translated for me. He did will but during one object lesson, he was having trouble so Aaron stepped in. The Holy Spirit saw to it that regardless of any translation issues they heard what God wanted them to hear as almost every inmate responded to the invitations for salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. It was wonderful to see all the officers also respond to the three invitations.

Three men and one woman gave testimonies as to what God had done in their hearts during our time together. I was able to give each of the women a nylon backpack and caps to the two children. At the end as the Deputy O.C., who had sat through our entire program, made some nice comments about what we had done, I had the opportunity to hold one of the children and give a kiss on the forehead. It was another wonderful day.

A distance after leaving the prison I saw three children alongside the road. I told Aaron to stop and I got out and retrieved some caps from my supplies, a fourth child appeared. What fun to give them each a cap. 

I ordered fish fillets again because the hamburger I wanted was not available but this time they added the wonderful sautéed cabbage, carrot and onion vegetables that we had had for breakfast. Although it was good, I could not eat it all so I shared some fish with Aaron. As we were finishing eating we could hear the loud music coming down the street and as they passed by I could see people dancing in the street. Aaron says that the election campaign celebrations will go on until the election on Jan. 15^th .

It is 7:30 and I have yet to bathe so will close for today. Amazing that I can go to bed before 10.

Please continue praying for the prisoners and guard’s salvation and that we would find favor with them and everyone we meet. Also for our health and safety.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 7 – A travel day FILLED with God’s unexpected blessings

 Ministry Partners,

You would think that since today was a travel day and I Could sleep in that I would have done that but no, I was awake at 6:00am. After breakfast, we loaded up the van and departed on a long 3+ hour drive over roads that neither Alfred or Aaron had been on. About 2 ½ hours into our trip, all of a sudden, there were arches over the road stating Murchison National Game Park with gates blocking the entrance and a small building to the side. 

Aaron spoke to the man at the gate and told him we did not plan to visit the park that we do prison ministry and the town where we were going. The gate man said it did not matter, this was the only road to where we were going and we would have to pay so Alfred went inside with our passports and came out saying we had to pay for the van and all three of us……$200. We do not do go on game park tours as we do not have time and they are too expensive. However, sometimes we travel on roads just alongside a park and are able to see some of the animals like a few years ago in Kenya when we saw Rhino’s up close to the road we were on.

We watched him eating his lunch!

We did not have a choice today so off we went in the blistering heat. I think God knew we need a special blessing today as we have been working really hard. In the beginning, we saw Black & White Monkeys and Baboons and after about an hour, driving so slow and seeing nothing God blessed us as we began to see all kinds of animals even though it was in the heat of mid-day. Hippos in a river – one with her baby, Kopi, Gazelles, Antelope, Water Buffalo s in ponds of water, Wart Hogs, Giraffes and two different small groups of Elephants, one under a tree. There was a roadside dirt bank that blocked our view a bit so Alfred got on top of the car for some photos of them but as we started to drive away I looked back and saw a huge elephant running down a nearby slope with his ears flapping as he ran towards the small herd. Aaron stopped the van and we all watched until he disappeared behind the dirt bank. Aaron has eyes like a hawk and helped us see things before we ever drove up on them. We saw many small animals but I do not know their names.

As I looked at the animals, I kept praising God for the amazing animal creations he gave us to enjoy today.

After leaving the game park, we drove to Nebbi and were blessed to find rooms for two nights, as there are only two hotels here. We will be here for two nights because we have crusades to do in the area.

Tomorrow we do a prison in the area about an hour away. This will be a short post tonight. I’m off to shower and bed.

Thanks friends for continuing to pray for the salvation of the prisoners and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 6 – 90 Degrees today at Masindi Main & Masindi Women's Prison

 Ministry Partners,

Today we were not having breakfast at the hotel until 8 I was awake at 6 and was ready to also load my bags because I did not want to come back up the flights of stairs after breakfast. Walking up inclines or stairs are a bit difficult for me and this trip we have already had far too many stairs. After breakfast, we took the one-hour drive to Masindi where we had a Men’s and Women’s prison crusade scheduled.

      

Drying coffee beans on the ground

Alfred called the Men’s O.C. to make sure they were ready for us but found out that the Seventh Day Adventists would be there until noon or so. He then contacted the Social Affairs Officer at the Women’s side to see if we could do our morning there, and she said yes.

We arrived at the main entrance and took the long walk to the women’s area. When we arrived at the women’s area, the very nice young women who was the social Affairs Officer that Alfred had talked with greeted us. We sat with her on the porch outside while the women inmates got ready for us and Aaron went to their area to get our sound system ready. As I looked around there were not only turkeys roaming around there were also turkey chicks scattering everywhere.  When it was finally time for us to enter the women’s area, we found that they had set us up in a very small room where only about half of the women could come hear our program. I was so happy when the S.A. Officer agreed with Alfred when he suggested that we relocate outside, under a huge tree where all 132 women could attend and hear although a few were working a short distance away. Thirteen children were also present with their mothers. It was such a nice morning and the women responded well to all three invitations. When we finished the women with babies and a couple of pregnant ones came forward and choose a beautiful hand crochet cap for their child. It is always wonderful to see such a small gift bring such broad smiles.  Some women shared their testimonies out how God had worked in their hearts during our time together and then the S.A. Officer spoke some very kind words about what I taught and how it impacted her. Alfred observed her during the crusade and said that she responded with tears in her eyes, to both the Salvation and Forgiveness invitations. One woman inmate shared her testimony about how her compliant was also in this same prison and how she was never going to forgive her and how she wanted to be moved to a different prison. But she knelt and told her compliant, who was sitting right in front that she forgave her. After we finished we had about 30min. before we could enter the men’s area so we sat again on the porch and visited with her. 

Then we took the walk to the men’s area where 1,560 men waited for us, some sitting on porches under the building roof overhang of three very long building on three sides. There were men sitting on the porch where we were and in the direct sunlight the very large open area in front of me. I will never understand how they can sit under the direct sun like that for the whole crusade. It was 90 degrees today!

As I walked in I tried to shake a number of hands so that the other inmates would view me as kind and friendly NOT the Bishop who has come to tell them how bad they are. Alfred is so funny, he usually opens our crusade by talking the prisoners in their language and then he looks at me and says something to me in English so I know when to stand and get started. But today when he looked at me he just kept speaking the Luganda language …… and grinned! I pointed at him while looking out at the prisoners and said, “He is being so funny today. He is talking to me in your language and he knows I do not understand.” I ended but making a funny face. Goodness, how the prisoners laughed.

I love watching the atmosphere change from dark and sad to light with smiles on their faces as the prisoners ask Jesus to forgive them for their sin and be their Savior, then choosing to forgive someone else or themselves and ending by apologizing to another inmate or guard they have had an argument or fight with. I can already see the evidence of their good choices in their smiles as they tell us that their hearts are happy, peaceful and joyful.

As one inmate gave his testimony about what God did in his heart during our time together he never stopped looking directly into my eyes like most prisoners who look out over the other prisoners or the ground or sky But each of the four who gave their testimony started the same way, they said,"Thank you mama for coming ............"

By the time w finished I was really tired with being out in the 90 degree heat for almost 5 hours and it was a long walk back to our van but Alfred made me laugh out loud when he said, "Mom, you were a machine today."

Tomorrow is a a travel day so please pray for our safety on the road. We appreciate each one of you.

It is almost 9 pm and I have had dinner so shower and bed is what is left for me tonight. 

That none would be lost,

Arlene 

 

Dec. 5 – Preaching in the rain and mud at Hoima Men’s and Women’s Prison

Ministry Partners, 

Today was a late start as we only have one prison to visit and we hope they will bring the women in so we will only have one crusade since the O.C. asked us to be there at 2pm. If we need to do two it will take us to dark again. 

 

As we travel, we see lots of construction both large and small.

 There are still many new things I observe every trip although this is my 21 time to visit Africa. And today was one of those new things for me to observe. I had heard before about the women who visit and come around hotels and truck areas to make money but I had not noticed them. Probably because I am usually so tired that I just want to eat and get to my room. But, today as we went for a late for us, 8am breakfast, we sat at a small table on the far side of the room with Aaron and I sat facing the far doorway and Alfred faced me with his back to that doorway. A number of men were there before us and they were enjoying their food. After choosing items from our comped buffet breakfast and sitting down and after prayer I looked up to see a woman standing in the doorway. She looked around the small room and then before entering, she reached up and pulled down the elastic neck of the blouse she had on, exposing almost her complete breasts. I felt sorry for her, that she felt she needed to expose herself in an effort to attract men and make money. After a bit, another woman appeared and sat with her. Aaron said he saw them the night before and that they were h…s.

 We drove about an hour to Hoima, arriving about 10:30. Since we had time Alfred said even though it was early that we needed to find a place to stay because years ago when we were here, there was a convention in town and we had to go to hotel after hotel after hotel to finally find a place to stay. It was a good idea as he found room for us at the very first hotel we stopped at. Stairs are difficult for me due to my back and right hip issues and Alfred tries hard to find rooms on the ground floor but today that was not possible. Although I have told Alfred a number of time that I do not need the best room, he always chooses the best one for me and less nice ones for him and Aaron.  So today my room has a bathtub (VERY unusual for here but so helpful to soak my sore back in) air-conditioning also rare in the areas where we are and where we travel, a tiny fridge so we can all have cold water. Alfred does such a good job finding us decent rooms in the price range he has to work with. There are some very expensive hotels here but they are out of our price range and we cannot stay in areas where the prices are really good as our van would get robbed. We need to stay where the hotel has good parking inside an enclosure with a guard at the gate. He tries hard to get our rooms for around $100 each. That is why renting the hotel cottage in Kampala for $250 per day, actually saves us money.

 As I am enjoying my room and getting most of this blog written, the guys are resting. They can both “sleep on a dime” as I might say at home. They both work so hard translating for me, driving the van, loading and unloading the IRM crusade supplies at every prison, schlepping my luggage, keeping connection with the  O.C.’s before we arrive, finding places for our lodging, seeing to whatever repairs are needed to the van or equipment are done and also getting directions for the new prisons where we have never been before. I get to ride in the van, take photos through the windshield, write this blog’s, eat, sleep, preach and whatever Alfred’s tells me to do because he has found our schedule had to change.

 Well, today was a first for sure, I preached in a downpour, using only my voice and no microphone and when the rain stopped, I preached in the mud. It was a truly AMAZING day. Alfred contacted a pastor from the area since he would be able to do follow-up.

 We arrived at the prison at 2pm but it took about 30 min. for them to gather the 800+ men and women inmates. The men were mostly in front of me with the women on a covered porch area to my right. The men were under a roof overhang around three sides and the men were also were in the huge open are in front of me. They had set me up in the center of the open area but I was in the full sun so after a few minutes I spotted and tiny area under a part of the overhang that separated the men and women so I went there. As I explained to the prisoners that the sun was too hot for my Muzungu (white) skin, they laughed out loud. But, it was harder then because the women were a bit behind me when I faced the men so I had to keep turning around.

 We discovered that some spoke Swahili and some Luganda so when I preached Alfred translated into Luganda and then Aaron translated into Swahili. I made a mistake a few times and staled to speak before Aaron had translated because I am so used to speaking as soon as Alfred finishes. We were about to do the salvation object lesson when there was a HUGE clap of thunder and the rain started to fall. The prisoners in the center all started to scatter, trying to also get under part of an overhang. That meant now most could not see me and as I looked to the center area …… there stood Aaron and Alfred as if to say, “Come on Mom.’ So, I left my area and went out to the center area and continued to preach as the rain drenched my hair and cloths. Alfred smiled broadly as he stood with me, translating then in only one language as Aaron was trying to get my microphone to work. I finally told Aaron to forget it that I would use my loudest voice and Alfred’s microphone still worked as did Aaron’s. The rain slowed a bit and we were able to do the salvation object lesson and I gave the salvation invitation. Prisoners came running into the center area with their hands raised high in the air and those still under the overhang also had their hands raised. Hearing their beautiful strong voices ask Jesus to forgive them and be their Savior as the rain also fell on them is something I will never forget. Then the rain stopped as quickly as it began.

 We did the Discipleship message using the gold cape and crown and a new believer was my volunteer. He was very pleased when I told him he could keep the crown. We moved then to the “Forgiveness” portion of the crusade as the prisoners concluded our time by following me in the “Forgiveness Prayer” that God gave me in Rwanda in 2005 that I still use today every where I have the opportunity to talk about forgiveness.  

 The O.C. appeared and said we had to finish so we were not able to do the “Apologizing” portion of our crusade. I gave each women one of the donated nylon backpacks to keep their things in as well as crochet caps for the four children that were there. Thank you Canby Foursquare Church ladies for the caps.

 I said goodbye and Merry Christmas to the prisoners and blew a kiss to the women as I left who giggled and waved back.

 When we arrived back at our hotel I realized how muddy my shoes were as was the bottom of my dress. I had been soaked by the rain clear through to my underwear. So, as we waited for dinner I bathed and put on dry clothes and sent my shoes to be washed which I have always done myself before but I was tired tonight and I had to was my dress. Then I decided to finish this blog making myself ready for dinner and then bed actually by 9:00 PM.

I trust my Savior and for whatever His eternal purposes were He allowed the rain today and He equipped  IRM to do their part.

 Tomorrow we have two crusades to do so I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

 Thank you for your continuing prays and for your comments to my posts, they are an encouragement to us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene