Dec. 22, 2025 – Happy Birthday to Pastor Aaron in Gulu today - Gulu, Prison

 Ministry Partners,

We were fortunate to have a buffet breakfast again today: I had a Spanish omelet with cheese, potatoes, sausage, pineapple, a pastry and hot chocolate. I took with me some yogurt, a banana and a slice of banana bread for a late lunch. According to Alfred and Aaron, dinners here have proved to not be as good as their breakfasts so they also took a lunch snack. It does not seem to matter what kind of meat you order it is all so very tough.

 

      Today is a very special day, it is Pastor Aaron’s 57^th birthday. 

Alfred and I are blessed to have Aaron on this team as he has such a servant’s heart, he translates, drives, sets up the sound system at each crusades and loads/unloads the van at each prison. A couple of days ago I asked him to stop walking 3-4 steps behind me and walk beside me but he said he walks behind me out of respect for my age and position. But, there are times when he holds my hand when Alfred is occupied and I need to walk on uneven surfaces. I know I surprised him last night with a birthday card I had brought from home for him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aaron!

Today we had only one prison crusade to do and the drive was only a few minutes to Gulu Main Prison with 1,790 prisoners. They had set up a tent for me to stand under, and a tiny one across for me for a few inmates. Most all of the inmates were in the huge open area in front of me in the direct sunlight. Alfred and I met with the O.C. while Aaron was setting up the sound system and by the time, the O.C. allowed us to enter with another officer there was no time for me to greet any of the inmates. As I entered the very large open area and saw the vast sea of men, I said to Alfred, “Praise Jesus.” That I should have such an opportunity to share the Gospel every day is just amazing to me.

During the crusade I ventured out from under the tent a few times to do object lessons but the sun was very hot. Again, the interpreter translated into Acholi and although he started out soft toned he did much better when Alfred told him he was going to have to increase his voice and talk louder. With that many men in such a large area, even our sound system needed all the help it could get.

It really is something so very special just to watch/hear that many men praying to ask Jesus to be their Savior. I am sorry that I do not have adequate words to express what my heart feels like. They also responded to the “Forgiveness” message and when it was time for them to apologize to each other, they did not hesitate. After we finished the officer that was with us informed the O.C., who had remained in his office, of our “Forgiveness” message and the inmate’s response.

Back at our hotel, the guys are resting and I am finishing this blog and some IRM business stuff. It is almost 4pm and too late for me to take a nap but doing just one prison a day and staying in the same hotel has allowed me to get the blog done early and get to bed early by 9pm.

Please continue to pray for the salvation of the inmates and the team’s anointing and health.

That none would be lost,

Arlene