Nov. 30 – Saazi (Kitalya) Farm Prison - and a boat ride I had not planed for

 Ministry Partners,

Another beautiful morning in Kampala. I awoke at 5:45 this morning to the sound of swish, swish, swish coming through the open, screened window in my room overlooking the parking area in front of our cottage. A hotel employee was “sweeping” the cement block, parking area with a hand held broom with no handle, similar to a giant whisk. With all the red dirt here, in the air and everywhere, I am thankful that they work so hard here to keep everything clean, inside and out.

They brought our breakfast sausages and Rollxes (scrambled egg rolled in a chapatti) rolled in tinfoil so we could take some of what we did not eat with us, put it on the dashboard and that was they would be nice and warm after the crusade for us to eat. I also too some left-over pizza to warm on the dash.

I must tell you there is nothing like the unexpected adventures God allows these missionaries to go on. Yesterday we had the opportunity to preach inside a Muslim prison church and today we were to minister at a small farm prison we had never been to before. Yesterday, we were told we would need to use a ferry to cross a small lake but when we arrived today the ferries had already run for the morning so Alfred hired a boat to take us across. To get in the boat from the bank was NOT the most “lady-like” thing I have ever done in a long dress and de-boarding the boat to return to our van was not any better. Can you imagine, Alfred on one side, the boatman on the other side, trying to lift me by my arms up the slick steep rocky water’s edge! Appreciate your prayers as the way the boatman jerked my left arm/shoulder was pretty rough and it is a bit painful this evening.

But, as we started across the lake I observed the boatman’s helper bailing out water that was in the bottom of the boat. I wondered how fast he could bail during the 5-10 minute crossing. It made me nervous and it made Alfred laugh but I did not really see humor in our current situation. Of course Alfred was not laughing at our situation, he was laughing at me. For years I have said I would go wherever God and Alfred led, today God took me at my words.

We had to hire a car to take us to the prison that was a bit away from the boat dock. There were 70 inmates at the prison and they were all gathered singing praises to the Lord. There is just something so powerful when I hear men here boldly singing praise and worship songs without any instruments. Again, we watched/heard the Holy Spirit bring not only inmates but also officers to salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. It was a wonderful time watching God’s power at work.

The man that drove us to the prison said to call him when we needed the ride back but when Alfred called him he refused so Alfred had the O.C. call someone he knew to give us a ride. Let me tell you, it was a taxi to remember. It was a very old small car or should I say “junker”. The trunk would not open so Aaron finally got our sound system and a few of our other supplies in the front seat and the rest of our things were on our laps as the three of us crammed ourselves into the back seat. The windows could not be put down so we had some air and from the sound of the springs(? I’m too tired to think of the right name) every time we hit a bump or rut I had a bit of a concern that there was every possibility that we might break down out in the middle of nowhere. At that point, all I could do was look at Alfred, laugh and shake my head.

When we arrived back at our van I appreciated the lovely ride God has provided for us this trip. We enjoyed our nice warm lunch from the dash as Alfred drove. After eating I could not help myself, I fell asleep. After we arrived, back at our cottage, Alfred left me off and then he and Aaron headed to the van rental garage as he noticed an oil leak and he wants them to replace the seals before we head to northern Uganda and Kenya. 

 It currently is 6pm, which means I will get this posted soon and be able to get some things packed for our trip on Wednesday, bathe and get to bed by 9 ……. a first.

For sure, this trip it turning out to be one of a kind. We think we are prepared for each new day but when it arrives, we find God has a new design for the day and it is exciting to discover what He has laid out before us. I think through my 21 missions trips that I am beginning to discover what walking by faith means! 

 Please continue to pray for the prisoners, this trip, travel, and our health.

That none would be lost,

Arlene 

 

Nov. 29 - Kigo Main Prison Storming the gates of …………………I preached in a prison Muslim church today

Ministry Partners

How do I ever relay to you what happened today?

The plan today was to return to the prison where we were not able to enter yesterday. But I woke early and did not feel well, my chest was hurting as was my back so I decided to have one sausage, for protein, and hot tea although I really did not want anything I knew in the extreme heat I was going to need energy to preach for 2 hours. I am taking electrolytes in my water to keep hydrated and a regimen of vitamins including pro-biotics.

As we drove away from the prison Alfred said he wondered if my feeling ill today was actually an attack from Satan to keep me from preaching today and I must admit I thought that exact thing at 6 am this morning.

 After breakfast, we were a bit slow taking off for the prison, as we needed to stop by and have the oil, fluids and all filters changed so that everything is in top shape for us to head towards northern Uganda and Kenya next week. All at a cost of $460! While we waited, I was able to hem the other dress I bought here. The fabric in some of my cloths is not really fit for this heat. 

Motorbike are everywhere and go wherever they want. Notice the van accessory on the left front, it contains a mirror so our driver can see how close we are to another car or motorbike.

 Then we were off for an hour drive to Kigo Men’s Prison where they had told us to arrive by 2pm. We arrived at 1:30 and Alfred spoke with the Deputy O.C. insisting that we wanted to speak to everyone, as we are a non-denominational International Ministry focusing on the bible and not any church doctrine.

 I was then taken to a side room and searched and the guys were also searched. When I asked to use the toilet before we started I asked the Deputy if there was “paper” and he said no, but there was water to wash with. I thanked him but sent Aaron to the car for some we had there.

 The Deputy finally said yes to bringing all the inmate together. Can you imagine……. today was the first time, in the history of the prison that all 3,800 inmates from every denomination were brought together for a service.

The open sided churches were very large for here and very close to each other; 7-Day Adventists and Catholics shared one while Muslims and Protestant shared the other. Each group scheduling their services at different times. Inmates filled both church areas as well outside the churches, under the trees and in front of their sleeping areas. I stood at the end of one church looking into the open sided other church and preached in the round looking at all 3,800 inmates with a most powerful sound system that reached to the farthest corner of the prison. Can you imagine, I stood in their Mosk church and shared the Gospel! Talk about a miracle!!!!! That’s what it was, a miracle, as the team watched and heard 3,500 or so prisoners asking Jesus to forgive them and be their Savior and then forgiving, ending with apologizing to another prisoner they had had a fight or argument with. Watching the men not only pray but also hold their hands/arms in the air as they prayed with heads bowed was a powerful thing.

As Aaron was getting our things together 2 very young inmates came forward and asked me to pray for them and while I did 2 more inmates came and joined in. When I got to the van, I could only offer PRAISE for God allowing us to be a part of the Holy Spirit’s work today.

 On the way home we came upon a terrible motorcycle accident where one man lay dead alongside the road.

After arriving at the hotel, we had dinner but as I thought of the events of the day, I could hold back the tears. God had allowed me to share my ugly story then ending with how He redeemed me and has given me a life of purpose and hope. I told the guys how blessed the three of us are that God would allow the three of us to watch the Holy Spirit powerfully work as He did today.

Every day we watch Satan attack us in some fashion and then we see God’s faithfulness as He implements His plan for us.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE BEING ANSWERED please continue.

•        Salvation of prisoners
•        Favor with everyone we meet
•        Safety on the roads 
•        Good health and a fresh anointing each day for the team 

That none would be lost’

Arlene 

Nov. 28 Prison #1 – Kigo Women Prison #2 - Kitala

 Ministry Partners,

Today’s verse was, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

As we headed out to go to the prison today, it was interesting to see breakfast being delivered by single individuals carrying plates with an inverted plate on top, to keep the dirt off, to their customer. No disposable too go containers here. Later in the day, I know that the same delivery person will return and get the plates then take them to be washed for the next day’s breakfast or perhaps something from the lunch menu.

Breakfast anyone? 

Well, today has gone quite different than we had planned or hoped. It was an hour drive to the Kigo prisons where we were to hold two crusades, one for women and one for mem. But when we arrived at the men’s prison we were informed that the Bishop from the Anglican Kampala Arch Diocese and would be there most of the day ordaining ministers but we could go to the women’s prison and have the crusade for them. Eighteen of the women were at the ordination but 134 inmates and 2 officers remained for our crusade. I love sharing with everyone but women have a special place in my heart. We had been told to wait until two o’clock and perhaps the Bishop would be finished but as that time approached and we so no movement from that area and we could still hear their loud speakers Alfred decided it would be best to go to another prison, in the area. We had scheduled that prison for tomorrow but we ended up at Kitala prison with 75 inmates, today.

 The Deputy O.C. who was tall and handsome greeted us with a huge smile. Arrangement were made as he and I chatted in his office as I invited him to come and listen to the crusade. The O.C was not there but Alfred said we had met her on a previous visit. The inmates already had their own sound system set up so Aaron did not have to set up ours and we just used their microphones. This was a small prison of about 75 men that were seated under the overhang from the rooms where they slept. It was long and narrow and I stood at one end and spoke as they sat on the cement watching me intently. Every responded to all three invitations, salvation, forgiveness, followed by apologizing to another inmate that he had argued or fought with. It is interesting to have the inmates call me “Mum” as I leave and they invite me to come back again

It was late when we finished about 5:00 and as we were leaving we stopped by the office where the deputy O.C. and O.C. were seated. The O.C. rose from her desk to come to the doorway to greet me. She said how happy she was to see me again as she gave me a hug. When I entered the office, I noticed the Deputy O.C. doing some work as he was seated over by an open window that overlooked the area where I had been speaking. He told me that he watched and listened to me and he had never heard a message preached as I did today. He said that if he did not know I was 81 he would have thought I was 18 years old as I preached with such energy.

We all visited in the office and then the O.C. went outside with us so we could take photos together for our report. She told me I needed to return again.

It was late by the time we got back to the hotel and I can tell you I am tired. After eating dinner and writing this, it is 9:40 and time for me to shower and get to bed.

Thank you for continuing to pray for the inmates and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

 

 

Nov. 27 - Luzeria Upper Prison

 Ministry Partners,

I woke early this morning; even with sleep aid, jet lag continues taking its time to work through.

I was pleased that Alfred ordered Samosas along with the Rolex's for breakfast and as he does every morning, he make me a cup of tea. I would not say I am being spoiled but……I am. He and Pastor Aaron take such good care of me.

As we headed out to go to the prison today, it was interesting to see a familiar sight, loaded 18-wheeler trucks with tree branches tied on the back of their load. The reason you might ask. They do not want motorbike drivers catching a ride by holding on to the back of their truck or a person trying to jump on the back to get a ride!

 

Today we returned to Luzeria Upper Prison. It is a high security prison with 3,000 longtime political prisoners being kept there. Pastor Aaron said it is the top prison in Uganda. Due to the security, it still took us an hour to enter. At one point, in one area, the young girl who had to “check” Alfred when we were here a few days ago was once again there because there were no male officers available. But, she was so embarrassed that she refused and called another woman officer to clear him. One woman officer, who spoke English, said that she loved Alfred and wanted my permission, as his Mom, so she could speak to him. When I told her “sure” it made both Alfred and her laugh.

The Social Affairs Officer took us to her office as she went inside the prison walls to get things ready for us. We were only allowed to take in some of our basic things but I was thankful that what we did get to take in was the items for our object lessons, the music stand to hold my teaching folder and my headset that we were able to plug into their sound system. They had done a lot of work getting ready for us today. There were four very big law narrow tents, three tenths were for the prisoners and the other one I’m not sure for who because it was so large. The table in that our tent was approximately 20 feet long and 3 to four feet wide. There was a beautiful red velvet chair for me to sit on and then chairs for others were not nearly as elegant. The table had a large bouquet of flowers in the center.

I was able to stand and face the prisoners although they were a distance away with 1 tent to my right and one tint in front of me with the third tent to my left. Most of the prisoners had chairs to sit in, row after row after row after row but then there were also many prisoners standing behind the rows of chairs while a few prisoners stood behind me. I stood just outside the tent under an edge of the tent covering but after the sun had moved overhead a prisoner appeared was a large umbrella after I had only preached about 1/3 of our crusade And he stood behind me holding the umbrella over me for the rest of my time there.

It was an amazing day watching thousands of men respond to the gospel and then respond to the call to forgive others or themselves. And as we watch them apologize to each other and take responsibility for their actions It truly was a day to give God such great praise. At the very end, we gave four prisoners the opportunity to give a brief testimony and one of them said that he hoped that we would return. It was a very sweet thing as we were preparing to leave that the prisoners asked us to wait because they wanted to pray for us. When the men were asked if they wanted me to return they applauded and said, “Yes.” We heard that the Head Commissioner of Prisons, that I have not yet met, was going to arrive soon after we departed so I was surprised that Aaron said he overheard the Social Affairs Officer telling a group of inmates to quickly get the tents and other things removed from the area in preparation for the Commissioners visit. WOW, the tent, table, chair and flowers were just for us! The Social Affairs Officer asked me when I would return so I told her that it would be up to God.

 As we headed back to our hotel in Kampala Alfred asked us to stop so he could take a motorbike into another area of the town. He wanted to get some errands done with the instruction that Aaron was to take me back to the hotel and then take the van for servicing because in a few days we will begin our long travels around the country. I am having issues with the internet so I may be times I am not be able to post in the future.

 We appreciate your continuing prayers for the prisoners and for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Nov. 26 1st - Kasangati and 2nd - Nakifuma Prisons

Ministry Partners

I awoke this morning to a beautiful pink sunrise this morning although it was also overcast a bit with billowy clouds that resembled marshmallow fluff. 

                                                                                    

 Today started a bit late as the first prison was close to where we live but even after arriving they were till cleaning so we had to wait a bit. As we waited, one inmate came up to me and thanked me for coming again as he had seen me last year. He said, “Many miracles were done here after you left last year. Because of the changes in the lives of the inmates after receiving Christ as Savior and then forgiving others, every prisoner was released, except for me. Everyone you will see today is new.” 

The prisoners were sitting under a bit or a porch on two buildings that faced each other. I was thankful that they brought it the 45 women to sit on the side. Usually I have to do a separate crusade for the women when there are that many.

At Nakifuma Prison although it was noon when we arrived we still need to wait to get again, There were 150 men and 17 women there according to the deputy O.C. (Officer in Charge), who was a very tall, good looking young man. It. I was able to do most of the preaching from under half of the shade of a tree while the women sat under the other half of the tree.

The Holy Spirits power was evident as most at both prisons accepted Christ as Savior, forgave someone or themselves, and apologized. It is always nice to hear the officials say good things about the good they know our program will do which is what happened at both prisons today.

I do not seem to be adapting very well as it is REALLY hot here and we do not have air-conditioning at our hotel. The other morning I woke finding that I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on top on the bed forgetting to pull the mosquito net around or cover myself with a sheet. Praise Jesus that I did not get bit by a mosquito, because the last time I got bit I also got malaria.

On the way home, we stopped at Alfred’s property so Alfred could show me the construction he is having done there. He already converted his home into a school for the neighborhood but is now building a separate structure for a school for children that are in prison with their mothers. Pastor Aaron is currently is in charge of the existing school.

Well, because I want to get to bed before 11:30 like last night it is time for me to have dinner and bathe.

The IRM team appreciates your continuing prays for:

·       The salvation of prisoners

·       A fresh anointing for the Holy Spirit for the team

·       Health and strength for the team

·       Safety as we travel

That none would be lost,

Arlene

 

Nov. 25 - Luzira Women's Prison

 

Ministry Partners,

I ended today with a HUGE PRAISE JESUS as all three of my suitcases finally arrived. The airport delivered them just as we returned from doing prison ministry.

The woman who owns this hotel came to welcome me when we got home today and we had a wonderful visit. I told her how much I appreciated the portrait she had painted of Alfred and me and how much I appreciated the beautiful new bathtub, mostly unheard of here, she had installed just for me along with a new toilet. I will put that new tub to work for sure.

The new tub 

Today was an interesting day for sure. Thanksgiving Day in America but lots to be thankful for in Uganda. But our thankfulness began yesterday as we were driving to the prison and a motorcycle went around us and the cut in front us us. He did not see the van in front of him brake and he hit the back of the van and as his bike fell over it looked as if he was going to go under the van himself. He struggled for a bit and got the bike up but had trouble starting it but when he did he turned the bike around and sped off, disappearing in the opposite direction as the van owner was observing the damage to the right fender and back of his very nice van. That could have been us and almost was today. It’s interesting that motorbikes here carry all kinds of big things sideways of the bike and then weave in and out of traffic. Today after doing our prison ministry, we were headed back to Kampala when a motorbike carrying, what appeared to be, a full sheet of plywood, sideways fell into the side of our van and then he disappeared into the traffic going the other way when Aaron pulled over to confront him. We praise Jesus that there was not bad damage as that would be something would have to pay for.

Today, we were scheduled to go to Luzeria Upper Prison and because it is a high security prison because all the 3,000 long time political prisoners are kept there. So, it was understandable that we spent almost 2 hours going though the levels of security as the guys and I were put in separate rooms and searched. For scheduling reasons the O.C. asked us to come back on Thursday so he could have all the prisoners’ assembled. He made that decision after I explained the “Forgiveness” information I share as well as having the prisoners take responsibility for fighting by apologizing and shaking hands. We told him we would be happy to return on Thursday. What a wonderful opportunity.

Because Luzira Women’s Prison was close-by, so we went there but it took us almost 2 hours to get in. It seems security has tightened in the prisons in Kigali especially. Our time with the 650 women was great. I was here about 2 years ago and only about 6 women had heard me speak before. Again, the Holy Spirit poured his spirit as almost every women asked Jesus to be her Savior. It was a great day.

While Aaron and I went to the hotel Alfred went into town and purchased a new sound system since our current one no longer works on battery and some places we go do not have electricity.

Well, it is 10:30 and I need to make a stop at that new bathtub and go to bed. two prisons are scheduled for tomorrow.

Thank you continuing to pray.

That none would be lost,

Arlene