Ministry Partners
Today was IRM's first day of prion ministry for the 2925-2026 Ministry Trip. It was a bit a drive to get to the first prison and at one point Alfred refereed to his phone GPS and started giving Aaron directions. At one point he said "Turn right" but at the same time he was pointing to the left. Both Aaron and I broke into laughter as I said, "Well, which one is it" even Alfred laughed realizing that his actions and words did not match. What a joy it is to work with both Alfred and Aaron while also having fun teasing each other, men who love God and the ministry we have been called together to do,
When we go into the major prisons the security is much more stringent and that's the way is was today. At Murchison Bay all three or us were taken to a side room and searched, then we were told to remove our name badges. I have done over 400 prison entrances and even in Max. security ones we have never been asked to remove my name badge. After a bit the O.C. appeared and the conversation ended with us keeping our badges on. We finally got to the crusade area at 2pm and the prisoners told us that the church would be locked at 3 pm so that meant I only had about 45 min to do a 1 1/2 - 2 hour crusade in 45 min. so Alfred left Aaron and I to start the crusade and he went to talk to the O.C. but when he returned he said the decision had been made to have us return tomorrow for 2 hours. We informed the inmates of the decision and told them we would see them tomorrow and for them bring to bring more prisoners with them.
We packed up all our stuff and walked outside only to meet the O.C. who informed us that we would not be able to come tomorrow BUT he would allow the prisoners to be there until 4pm and he would not close the church at 3 so we returned inside, set up again. we finished right at 4 after 6 inmates gave a testimony f how the Holy Spirit had worked in their hearts in our time together. With each of those prisoners, with their permission , I gave them a hug and blessed. With the two prisons today we watched/heard almost 2,000 give their lives/hearts to Jesus. It was a day to give God praise.
This morning before leaving the hotel Alfred shared that he had received a message for the 15year old daughter of the pastor where we were yesterday. She wrote, "It was nice seeing you today. You, Pastor Arlene and Pastor Aaron really blessed us today. You know I had never seen a sermon with such interesting demonstrations before. God Bless you all." How special to know that a youth of today would say such kind words.
My luggage is still in Amsterdam but KLM says it SHOULD be here late tomorrow, we will see!
Time to bathe and go to bed, I'm tired tonight, it has been some time since I preached two - two hour sermons back to back. It is so hot here and I feel sticky and dirty. I have never enjoyed more that bottle of very cold water like today
Please continue to pray.
That none would be lost,
Arlene
I'm glad you had a good time together even though there were 2 more hours to be with prisoners. I hope you feel good time tonight and get the luggage tomorrow. Sad that had to happen as you need clothes, and other items. Continue to pray for you and your mission trip 🙏.
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