Dec. 1 – Kauga Prison - Eating watermelon with the O.C.

 Ministry Partners,

It is hard to believe that I have already been here 10 days; the time is going too quickly. 

Today the prison was fairly close, about an hour. As we waited to meet the O.C. we observed the prisoners busy doing their chores, the women, in one area, carrying water in jerry cans and in another area some men preparing the cabbages for their meal. When we actually entered the compound, we were “greeted” by a huge mountain of cabbages. However, we had to wait some for them to be ready for us but the woman Officer in Charge (O.C.) was one we had met on another trip at another prison. What a lovely women who recognized us right off and greeted us with a huge smile. I have noticed that when the O.C. or Deputy O.C. is kind and gracious along with firm power that the guards tend to be the same way but when they are a bit rude and dismissive the guards are also the same way. I am happy to say most of the O.C.’s and Deputies so far have been very nice.

The area where we settled was quite rocky/rough and it took some time for me to pick a spot where I would not fall as I moved around while preaching. The men were in front of me on a porch under a roof overhang and to the left under a tree while the women were directly behind me. The rocky ground prevented me from finding a place to station myself so I could see both groups at the same time so I had to keep turning and looking at each group to keep them engaged. It was an amazing time as almost every prisoner responded to each invitation.

 When we finished the crusade, the O.C. invited us to her office and as we sat and chatted, she served us with water and colds watermelon that was yummy. I was blessed to use her bathroom and was so pleased to us a actual toilet and not the usual pit-toilet.

After returning to our hotel cottage the guys left again to go to the garage to fix something they found last night but ran out of time to fix.

Because of my age and health, I never know just what God has planned for me so I am enjoying every opportunity to share with everyone His love and his desire for us to pass on to others the forgiveness he has freely given us. The prisoners pray asking Jesus to forgive them and be their Savior, they then pray a prayer of forgiveness over their accuser, abuser or themselves. They end our crusade by shaking hands and apologize to a prisoner or officer that they have argued with fought with. It is something to observe, a miracle for sure, and it makes no difference if it is men or women, prisoners or guards, 70 or 3,000 as the smiles finally come out and they then proclaim that their hearts are happy, peaceful and joyful. It makes me want to fall on my face and give Jesus praise on the spot.

For those who don’t know me, I have never been formally trained so it has been an amazing thing as the Holy Spirit anoints me and teaches me what to say, how to teach and has given me object lessons for each of the 4 portions of our crusade. He has been a faithful teacher, encourager and opportunity provider. At every prison or church, he goes before the team and prepares the hearts of everyone who will hear. I had no idea what I was doing in 2006 when I went into the first prison in Rwanda but I knew God was opening the door and calling me to go. He gave me courage and I just wanted to be obedient, I wanted my life to count for something. Then Jesus called two amazing, godly men, Alfred and Aaron, to support me and help me accomplish what I knew God wanted me to do. We are a family and we work very hard together but we also laugh so much at events, each other and ourselves.

 I AM BLESSED FOR SURE! 

Thank you for continuing to pray for us, the team and I appreciate you. 

That none would be lost,

Arlene